Bastareaud ‘unable to play for Stade’

TOULON target Mathieu Bastareaud is suffering from a form of depression and is no longer “psychologically able” to play for Stade Francais, according to Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal.

The 22-year-old France centre has spoken of his desire to leave the Paris club but they are adamant he will stay and honour the remaining two years of his contract. Boudjellal, though, believes that would be unfair to Bastareaud, who he feels is in need of a change of scene.

He said: “I think that psychologically, Mathieu Bastareaud is no longer able to play for Stade Francais.