France captain out for six weeks after elbow

FRANCE rugby captain Jerome Thion, who suffered a fractured larynx during their 26-20 victory over South Africa, will be out for at least six weeks, team doctor Thierry Hermerel said last night.

Biarritz lock Thion, who was hit by an elbow from South African hooker and captain John Smit, will be staying in hospital at Clamart to the south of Paris till Tuesday.

“Tests on Sunday morning have been positive,” said doctor Hermerel. “During the morning he has been regaining his speech and has been able to swallow milk and iced products.”