Clerc eyes imminent comeback

France wing Vincent Clerc is aiming to return to the pitch before the end of the year after suffering a ruptured cruciate knee ligament in April.

The 32-year-old was injured in a match against Clermont on April 20 and underwent reconstructive surgery a few days later.

He originally envisioned coming back to action in October or November but now says he will be fit to face Bordeaux-Begles in the Top 14 on December 21, or Bayonne on December 29.

Clerc has played 65 times for France, scoring 170 points.

He won the Six Nations three times with his country and the European Cup three times with Toulouse, with whom he has also won the French Top 14 title three times.

AFP