Welsh scrumhalf in hot water again

Controversial Welsh scrumhalf Mike Phillips and French fullback Cedric Heymans have been suspended by Bayonne for "intolerable" behaviour and lacking respect towards fans, the Top 14 French club.

Club president Alain Afflelou said the pair had been suspended "until further notice".

Afflelou told the Sud Ouest newspaper that Phillips, who will miss Sunday's Basque derby against Biarritz because of a hand injury, was being punished for "his intolerable sporting behaviour off the pitch".

The French businessman added that the 30-year-old Welsh player would also receive a fine as an example.

It is not the first time that Phillips, who once dated Welsh singer Aimee Duffy, landed himself on hot water for his off-field antics.

In October 2008 Phillips was hospitalised after an attack outside a Cardiff nightclub and in June 2011 he was suspended from the Wales World Cup training squad after a late night incident in Cardiff.

Heymans was also punished for "not respecting the fans".

Heymans, 34, told the newspaper: "I don't care what the fans think of my performances, particularly those who whistle the players. They should try putting on a jersey from time to time..."

Bayonne are sitting second from bottom of the Top 14 with seven points from six games.

* Meanwhile French international centre David Marty has extended his contract with Perpignan by three seasons until June 2016, the Catalan club announced Friday.

The 29-year-old, who has scored 11 tries in 37 caps for France, has been with Perpignan since he was 16 and was described by club president Paul Goze as "an important element" in the team currently occupying 9th position in the Top 14.

AFP