Clermont Release Scotland Forward Hardie

Paris, Sept 20 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Sep, 2018 ) :Clermont have decided not to sign Scottish international John Hardie, who had been at the French club on a trial basis since the start of August.

The Top 14 leaders said on Thursday that they had opted not to keep the New Zealand born back-row, who arrived after a hernia operation, because of health risks for him and because Alexandre Fischer had emerged from their youth system.

Hardie, who is 30 and has 16 Scotland caps, "is able to train but it is difficult to see him playing in sequence of matches," said the club's sporting director Franck Azema.

"It is impossible for me to take the slightest risk with John."Because Top 14 rules require a minimum of French-produced players, the 20-year-old Fischer is a better option.

"We are very pleased with the commitment and performance of Alexandre Fischer," said Azema.