Toulouse lose another Bok forward

Toulouse prop Daan Human will be sidelined for the second time this season after being diagnosed with a fractured bone near his left eye socket, the South African said on Tuesday.

Human fell victim to a blow by Thibaut Privat during Toulouse's 45-25 Top 14 win at Montpellier at the weekend.

The South African had only resumed competition at a European Cup match against Harlequins two weeks ago following a four-month lay-off with a left arm injury. He now expects to be out for around a month.

Toulouse manager Guy Noves said the club had not yet decided whether to cite Privat over the incident.

"We haven't ruled out the possibility of citing Privat for hitting out needlessly at a player who had only just returned from injury," Noves told AFP, adding that the blow had "come from behind".

Human joins compatriot - and fellow Springbok - Gary Botha on the French champions' injury list.

Hooker Botha, who suffered a bone fracture in his right leg in the same match, was later on Tuesday ruled out for the rest of the season.

Noves said he is now looking for a medical replacement, with Castres' Georgian hooker Akvsenti Giorgadze a possibility, according to the club.

Meanwhile, Toulouse's other Springbok forward, prop Gurthrö Steenkamp, is currently on the sidelines with a hip injury, having played just half a match for his new club since joining after the World Cup.

AFP