Women's Six Nations: England's Lark Atkin-Davies and Rosie Gilligan out of Grand Slam showdown against France

England have been dealt a blow ahead of their Grand Slam showdown with France after lock Rosie Gilligan and hooker Lark Atkin-Davies were ruled out through injury.

Gilligan suffered a thumb injury in the warm-up before the Red Roses thrashed Ireland 88-10 at Twickenham on Saturday, while Atkin-Davies was forced off towards the end of the first half with an ankle complaint.

Both will see specialists this week and have left John Mitchell’s squad, with Exeter Chiefs winger Katie Buchanan returning from injury.

Elsewhere, No. 8 Sarah Beckett and hooker Amy Cokayne are available again after serving bans.

It’s a winner-takes-all clash on Saturday at Bordeaux’s Stade Chaban-Delmas between the Red Roses and France, with both on four wins from four.

England are chasing a sixth successive title and a second straight Grand Slam and have been the standout side of the tournament.

The reigning champions opened their account with a 48-0 victory away to Italy before backing that up with 46-10 and 46-0 triumphs over Wales and Scotland respectively.

Mo Hunt warned there was still more to come ahead of the visit of Ireland to the English capital, and true to her word, the hosts scored 14 tries in a rampant performance.

The Red Roses top the table by a point over France, but unless the match is drawn, that essentially counts for nothing.

Les Bleus are coming into the contest off the back of their best showing of the tournament, following a 40-0 win against Wales.

Should France come out on top in front of their home fans, they will claim the crown for the first time since 2018.

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