Six Nations: FRANCE v WALES
Venue: Stade de France, Paris Date: Sat, 19 March Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC One HD & online from 1930-2200; Listen on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Radio 5 Live; Text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

Shane Williams has scored 22 tries for Wales in the Six Nations

Wing Shane Williams is out of Wales' Six Nations clash against France in Paris on Saturday with a knee injury.

The 34-year-old had been due to make his final Six Nations appearance after confirming at the weekend Saturday would be his last in the tournament.

But he has suffered knee ligament damage and will instead target an international swansong at the World Cup in New Zealand in the autumn.

George North and Morgan Stoddart are contenders to replace Williams.

"Shane will be out of action for a period of six to eight weeks after sustaining damage to the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the match at the weekend," said Wales' medical manager Prav Mathema.

"Thankfully there is no need for surgical intervention and he will now undergo a period of rehabilitation which will see him return to full fitness."

Williams' expected recovery could see him return for the Ospreys should they ensure their place in the Magners League play-offs.

He used the social networking site Twitter to thank well-wishers - ending a self-imposed Twitter ban players agreed while they were included in Wales' Six Nations squad.

"Twitter ban over!!!" he posted. "That was a long 7 weeks. Thanks for all the kind messages regarding my injury. Let's hope I'm not out too long."

His injury means the Six Nations has seen the last of a player who has scored 22 of his 53 Wales tries in the competition.

His final act in Europe's international showpiece was to kick the ball off the field to finish off Ireland's challenge at the Millennium Stadium on March 12.

Williams' last Six Nations try - one of a brace - came in their 24-6 win over Scotland at Murrayfield, a victory that came following Wales' opening 26-19 loss to England.

A 24-16 win in Italy followed, then the 19-13 defeat of Ireland at the Millennium Stadium at the weekend.

Williams had hoped to end his Six Nations days against France in Paris, where they are in with an outside chance of winning the title should England slip up by a big margin against Ireland in Dublin.

North recently returned to action for the Scarlets following shoulder surgery, leaving him and team-mate Stoddart to challenge for a place on the wing.

Cardiff Blues' Leigh Halfpenny returned from his own ankle injury problems to kick a long-range penalty in the win over Ireland

Wales name their side to face France on Thursday.

*Follow Thursday's Wales team announcement on all BBC Wales outlets from 1300 GMT.

Wales squad:

Forwards: Paul James (Ospreys), John Yapp (Blues), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Scott Andrews (Blues), Matthew Rees (Scarlets, capt), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Blues), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Andy Powell (Wasps), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Rob McCusker (Scarlets), Dan Lydiate (Dragons).

Backs: Mike Phillips (Ospreys), Dwayne Peel (Sale), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), James Hook (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), George North (Scarlets), Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets), Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Leigh Halfpenny (Blues).

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