Virimi Vakatawa barred from playing in France due to medical issue

France international Virimi Vakatawa has been barred from playing rugby in the country due to an unspecified health problem.

Vakatawa's club, Racing 92, said the 30-year-old centre had been informed by the medical committee of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby [LNR] that he could no longer play rugby in France.

The club did not provide details of the problem, while it is unclear if he can continue his career overseas.

Vakatawa is due to hold a press conference on Tuesday along with Racing president Jacky Lorenzetti and sporting director Laurent Travers.

The Top 14 club said in a statement: "Racing 92 has just been informed of the decision of the medical commission of the LNR to prohibit Virimi Vakatawa from continuing his professional career as a rugby player in France.

"Particularly saddened by this terrible announcement, Racing 92 gives its full support to Virimi Vakatawa and will immediately put in place all the arrangements to support its iconic player as best as possible in these particularly difficult times."

Vakatawa, who has Fijian roots, moved over to Racing from New Zealand aged 17.

He had two stints with Racing either side of a spell with the France Sevens team and played at the 2016 Olympics.

Vakatawa also made his XVs debut for France in 2016, scoring a try on debut in the Six Nations win over Italy.

He won 32 caps for France and scored ten tries.