Bastareaud provides devastating update over latest knee injury

Lyon No.8 Mathieu Bastareaud has revealed he ruptured the quadriceps tendon in both knees against his former club Toulon on Saturday.

Having only made his return to rugby the week before following a hand injury, the 33-year-old collapsed to the ground within the opening five minutes of his return to the Stade Mayol, and was left writhing in pain. After being stretchered off, the initial fears were that it was a ruptured ligament, however, the Frenchman has revealed that it is a repeat of the injury he sustained to his left knee last December which kept him out for over half a year after being operated on, although this time in both knees.

In a Twitter post on Monday, the newly fashioned No.8 said he will take time out to think about his future.

"Unfortunately the results of the MRI reveal a rupture of the quadriceps tendon in both knees," the 54-cap France international said.

"It's a huge blow. Now, it's a long road that awaits me and I know I'm well surrounded with my family, my loved ones and the club. I will take the time it takes to get back to 100%... and as for my future, I give myself time to think about it. I also wanted to thank you all for your messages of support during these last days."

This is the latest setback in what has been a devastating year for Bastareaud professionally, where he has played very little rugby. He missed the first quarter of the Top 14 season after fracturing his hand in a preseason match, which came shortly after he had made the return from his initial knee injury last year.

He will now spend another long spell on the sidelines, although his Twitter post suggests he may be assessing his future.