French budget talks teetered on the brink of collapse on Wednesday, a day after Socialist party officials suspended their participation in protest over remarks about immigration by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou,

French budget talks were on the verge of collapse on Wednesday, a day after Socialist party officials suspended their participation in protest over remarks about immigration by the prime minister. In a television interview on Monday,

French lawmakers on Thursday will try to reach a budget compromise that can get enough support to avert another government collapse and restore financial certainty for the country.

Wales boss Warren Gatland feels being overwhelming underdogs ahead of Friday's Six Nations opener with France in Paris could work in his team's favour.

France have lost winger Damian Penaud to injury for their Six Nations clash against Wales, adding to a list of key players unavailable for the tournament opener on Friday.

France have lost flying winger Damian Penaud to injury for their Six Nations clash against Wales, adding to a list of key players unavailable for the tournament opener at the Stade de France on Friday.