Elissalde in kidney trouble

France and Toulouse half-back Jean-Baptiste Elissalde is facing the possibility of surgery as he is suffering from renal colic, meaning will not be available for his side's opening Heineken Cup fixture against Bath on Sunday.

France and Toulouse half-back Jean-Baptiste Elissalde is facing the possibility of surgery as he is suffering from renal colic, meaning will not be available for his side's opening Heineken Cup fixture against Bath on Sunday.

Renal colic is a very severe pain usually caused by stones in the kidney, renal pelvis or ureter. Experts describe the condition as 'probably the most excruciatingly painful event a person can endure.' Striking without warning, the pain is often described as being worse than childbirth.

Elissalde was rushed to hospital on Friday just hours before Toulouse beat Castres 28-10 in the Top 14.

Doctors are currently using ultra-sound treatment to break up the calcium stones lodged in Elissalde's kidney. If the treatment is unsuccessful, the 30-year-old international scrum-half will have to undergo surgery.

Elissalde was set to captain Toulouse on Friday in his first game back after a three-week injury lay-off caused by a torn muscle. He is no stranger to pain having played most of last season's Top 14 final with fractured ribs.

Byron Kelleher will no doubt start at scrum-half for the French champions against Bath.