Clermont's Strettle out after Ospreys mauling

Strettle, 32, sprained his left ankle and will miss their crunch European Cup tie on Sunday against Bordeaux-Begles, his club confirmed.

Ospreys produced an inspiring 21-13 comeback win over the French side to top Pool Two in Swansea last Friday.

To finish first and qualify directly for the quarterfinals Clermont will now have to win at home against Bordeaux in the final pool game.

If Ospreys beat Exeter they will win the group and secure a quarterfinal place.

Clermont have also been hit by the absence of young Fijian wing Alivereti Raka who suffered cruciate ligament damage to his knee playing for the youth side against Montpellier, and will be out for six weeks.

But the team from central France will be counting on the return to duty by New Zealand wing Hosea Gear and English back Nick Abendanon.

Agence France-Presse