Six Nations: David Smith ineligible for France

David Smith's call-up to France's Six Nations training squad lasted mere hours after it was found he was ineligible for selection.

The Samoa-born Castres winger was originally handed a call to train with Les Bleus along with Stade Francais full-back Djibril Camara ahead of Friday's contest against Wales due to injuries to wingers Teddy Thomas and Marvin O'Connor.

However, upon arrival Smith - who has played in France since 2011 after previously representing Toulon - declared that he had represented New Zealand in an international seven's tournament in Edinburgh in 2008, thus contravening international selection rules.

Subsequently, Smith is to be released back to his club on Monday.

A statement from the French Rugby Federation read: "When he arrived, David told us he'd played an international sevens tournament in Edinburgh in 2008 for New Zealand.

"For that reason, David is not eligible for the French national XV team due to the international regulations and will be released on Monday."