Top 14: Mathieu Bastareaud back in training

Lawrence Nolan

There was welcome news for many rugby fans on Wednesday as Mathieu Bastareaud was seen in training for the first time since an horrific injury in November.

Bastareaud ruptured the quadricep tendon of both knees in a freak accident just five minutes into a match last year, saying later “At this time, I can’t say for sure that I will be able to return to rugby.”

First steps

But while the Lyon team prepared for a game against Toulon this coming weekend, Bastareaud was seen taking his first gentle run since his surgery, raising hopes that he may indeed grace the French pitches one more time at least.

The injury news in Toulouse was more mixed, as they prepare for a tough trip to Castres on the Top 14’s derby weekend.

International flanker Anthony Jelonch, who missed last week’s win over Lyon with a muscle strain, has still not recovered and is likely to miss the match. Centre Pita Ahki is also ruled out.

But lock Richie Arnold could rejoin his brother in the second-row, and there were positive injury reports on Rynhard Elstadt, Tim Nanai-Williams and Sofiane Guitoune, who are all in the mix for the match.

In Toulon, where there has been a plethora of comings and goings announced ahead of next season, hooker Christopher Tolofua looks set to sign for another two years, while there may also be an extension for Sergio Parisse.

The news around Parisse has fuelled speculation in local circles that not only would he play next season but also make an attempt to play for Italy at the next World Cup, where he would be aged 40.

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