RugbyU: Nakaitaci blow for Clermont

CLERMONT-FERRAND: Top 14 and European Champions Cup title-chasers Clermont received another injury blow Monday with Noa Nakaitaci ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

The 26-year-old Fiji-born France international wing ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee during Sunday's 29-9 European Champions Cup victory over Toulon.

As a result he will miss the semi-final against Irish province Leinster in Lyon in April, the final phase of the Top 14 championship and France's tour of South Africa in June.

A cruciate ligament injury usually requires a six-month layoff meaning Nakaitaci could also miss the beginning of next season.

The 15-times capped player will undergo surgery during the week at a private hospital in Clermont.

It is the latest blow for Clermont, the only French club remaining in the European tournament, with centre Wesley Fofana also out with a ruptured Achilles tendon.