WORCESTER Rugby Club will not have to face Saracens full-back Thomas Castaignde next Sunday after the Frenchman was ruled out for the rest of the season following a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The 25-year-old picked up the injury while warming up for Saturday night's Test defeat against Australia at Stade de France in Paris.

Castaignde left the pitch clutching hisankle and was replaced in the France team by Xavier Garbajosa of Toulouse.

Australia won 18-13 in a replay of last year's Rugby World Cup final, that Castaignde also missed through injury.

French team doctor Thierry Hermerel said the player, who signed for Saracens from Castres during the summer, had suffered a serious injury and would be out for "at least" six months.

Wallaby centre Tim Horan proved his fitness after four months out by scoring a try on his Saracens debut during a comfortable 24-54 win at Bedford.