Bayonne face scrum-half crisis after Coly injury

Bayonne’s early Top 14 plans have been disrupted by the loss of Léo Coly, with the club now short of experienced cover at scrum-half. Coly, appointed captain while Arthur Iturria is unavailable, is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old was forced off just three minutes into Bayonne’s opening match against Toulon last Saturday. His side still began the campaign with a 27-26 victory at Stade Jean-Dauger, but the success was followed by confirmation that Coly’s absence could extend well into the opening weeks of the season.

Bayonne currently have only 19-year-old Baptiste Tilloles as another specialist scrum-half. Tilloles replaced Coly against Toulon and is set to take over as the regular starter. The club is also considering moving winger or full-back Tom Spring into the position as additional cover.

The injury does not qualify Bayonne for a medical joker because Coly is expected back before three months. The club has therefore asked South African scrum-half Herschel Jantjies to return earlier than planned. Jantjies remains officially with South Africa, and coach Rassie Erasmus wants him available for the team’s upcoming preparations. No agreement has been reached, although Bayonne has contacted both the player and the South African federation. His return had been scheduled for the end of the month, and the club could begin disciplinary proceedings if he eventually comes back to France.