Fresh injury blow for France's Clerc

Clerc had been on the comeback trail after undergoing surgery on his right achilles tendon in September.

"Vincent Clerc is seriously injured," Toulon said in a statement, estimating the 35-year-old would be sidelined for "four to five months".

Clerc picked up the injury during Toulon's 6-30 Top 14 loss to Clermont on Sunday.

France coach Guy Novès, who is also Clerc's father-in-law, lamented the injury.

"On a sports level it's a drama for him," said Noves. "He returns and reinjures himself again. It's true that it's very complicated [but] he'll bounce back, he has to be given time."

The 67-time capped France player remains the top scorer in the European Cup competition with 36 tries.

Agence France-Presse