French internationals Aurélien Rougerie, Julian Pierre and Benjamin Kayser have been hospitalised following an attack in Millau, France.
The three Clermont Auvergne stars were returning to their hotel from a nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning when they were set upon by "up to 12 masked men" who were armed with "machetes, knives and swords" according to the club’s official website.
The trio were injured in the melee with Kayser and Rougerie suffering arm injuries and Julian Pierre receiving a hip injury, which required surgery yesterday.
Rougerie, in particular, will be well known to Irish rugby fans having represented France 71 times at international level and breaking Irish hearts on more than a few occasions.
Clermont have released a statement on the incident stating: “The whole club is both shocked and outraged by these incidents and is providing all the necessary support to local authorities who have opened an investigation into the attack to find and punish the perpetrators.
“In addition to complaints by individual players involved, the Club also contemplates judicial proceedings.
“We will provide more information as soon as possible on the health of our players.”
Benjamin Kayser tweeted a message regarding the attack and it is good to hear the Clermont hooker is alright following the terrifying ordeal.
JOE wishes the trio a speedy recovery…
