Betsen forced to delay return for three weeks

FRANCE flanker Serge Betsen has been forced to postpone his return to competition by three weeks because of an injury to his left cheekbone.

The Biarritz player, who had an operation in October, missed France’s autumn tour and is unlikely to return until the middle of January.

Betsen was hurt when he was elbowed during a game against Toulouse on October 9.

However, he should be available for the RBS Six Nations which starts on February 5.

“I was meant to resume training this week but I had complications,” Betsen said. “The doctor has extended my sick leave by three weeks but I hope to be back at the start of January.

“The different experts do not agree between them and that’s frustrating. The bruise remains important but I don’t have any vision troubles, the only problem is in terms of eye mobility.”

France produced a flawless set of results during the November Test matches, beating Australia, Canada, Tonga and South Africa.

And Betsen admits the quality displays of the other flankers has put pressure on him.

“It does put me under pressure but also makes me feel like playing an international match again,” he said.

“November has showed our talent and was good ahead of the World Cup. It created a positive competition.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle Falcons have signed former academy scrum-half Shaun Richardson from Darlington Mowden Park until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old returns to Kingston Park to bolster a squad depleted by injuries.