Three of France’s best rugby union players have been rushed to hospital after being attacked with machetes, knives and swords when they left a nightclub in the French city of Millau in the country’s south.
Benjamin Kayser, Julien Pierre and Aurelien Rougerie, who all play for French club side Clermont Auvergne, were set upon by 12 men in a street brawl. What sparked the confrontation hasn’t been confirmed, though it is believed the players came to the aid of a woman who was being harassed by some of the attackers in the nightclub.
While none of the players received life-threatening injuries, Clermont confirmed Test star Pierre required surgery on deep cuts to his hip. Kayser and Rougerie, also internationals, are expected to leave hospital today after sustaining injuries to their arms.
In an official statement, Clermont said it would cooperate fully with the investigation into the incident.
“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,” the statement said. “In addition to helping the players involved, the club is also contemplating legal proceedings.”
Clermont sporting director Jean-Marc Lherment told AFP the attack was brutal and unexpected. “No one was expecting that,” he said. “The evening had gone really well.”
The entire Clermont squad was staying in Millau on its way to a training camp ahead of the start of the French rugby season.
