Bayonne ace recovering in hospital

Bayonne loose forward Francois Carrillo's condition was improving on Sunday after he was hospitalised following what appeared to be a heart problem in the warm-up before Saturday's Top 14 match with Mont-de-Marsan.

The 24-year-old - who is a squad member and rarely first choice - collapsed after taking the ball at a line-out a few minutes before the end of the warm-up session, an AFP journalist witnessed.

A heart specialist team gave Carrillo cardiac massage before the player was taken to hospital.

However, a hospital source told the club on Sunday that having been placed on a respirator on Saturday night, the player had awoken on Sunday morning and had been able to converse with his family as well as receiving a visit from the Bayonne team doctor.

According to the club, doctors said Carrillo will not suffer any after effects from the incident although the illness had yet to be diagnosed and that further medical examination would continue on Sunday.

The same medical sources were unable to say how long the player would have to stay in hospital.

Carrillo's team mate and fellow back row forward Guillaume Bernad, who scored one of Bayonne's tries in their 39-13 humbling of Top 14 tailenders Mont-de-Marsan, said that the team had dedicated their victory to him.

"We were only thinking of him, we were all scared for him, we hope to find him in good form soon."

AFP