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.

“He is a young player who now suffers from depression.”

Stade president Bernard Laporte said that he had spoken to Bastareaud, who was happy to honour his contract.

Meanwhile England flanker James Haskell has been in high demand since his departure from Stade Francais was announced on Tuesday, according to his manager. Haskell discovered that his time in Paris had come to an end after the French club revealed financial difficulties had forced them to trim some of the biggest names from their squad.

The 26-year-old’s father and manager Jonathan insists that despite the confusing manner of his exit from Stade, there are already plenty of offers on the table. “No decisions have been made as yet,” Jonathan Haskell said yesterday.

“He’s had expressions of interest from clubs from all over the world – Italy, Ireland, Australia – but it was only confirmed he was leaving yesterday, until then he was still a Stade Francais player. We couldn’t really say it came as a shock but it was not an ongoing process James was aware of.

“All the players and everyone involved with the club said what a wonderfully committed player he was and that they’re all very sad to see him go. But there was the financial impact and they’ve had to release a lot of players.”

Haskell left Wasps for Stade in 2009 and was well regarded at the Top 14 club, going on to play some of his finest rugby in this year’s RBS 6 Nations.