A dozen armed men attacked French rugby union internationals Aurelien Rougerie, Julien Pierre and Benjamin Kayers with machetes as they walked back to their hotel at night, their club said Sunday.
Pierre, who with Rougerie was in the French team that lost the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, was to undergo surgery on “deep cuts” to his hip, the ASM Clermont club said.
All three were rushed to hospital after the attack in the southern town of Millau, but none of their injuries were life-threatening, the club said.
“As they walked back to their hotel overnight Saturday, a group of players was assaulted by a dozen people carrying weapons including machetes, sabres,” the club said.
The players were briefly staying in Millau before leaving for a training camp.
Police said the incident took place at around 3:00am after the players went to a nightclub, where they may have rowed with other revellers.
No-one was immediately detained. The club — one of the best in France — said Kayser and Rougerie had both sustained injuries on their arms and denounced an “extremely violent” incident.
“The entire club is deeply shocked and outraged by these acts and will bring all the necessary support to local authorities who have launched a probe,” it said.
Rougerie, 33, is Clermont’s captain and has 77 caps for France. Kayser, 29, has played 24 times for France and Pierre, 33, has 27 caps.