Former France scrum-half Machenaud suffers knee ligament damage

Former France international scrum-half Maxime Machenaud insisted Tuesday he would fight to return this season despite suffering torn cruciate ligaments in his right knee and two sprains while playing for Top 14 side Bayonne.

"I was a little hopeful after seeing the images, but the verdict is clear: torn cruciate ligament, grade three medial collateral ligament sprain, and ankle sprain," Machenaud revealed on Instagram.

"My reaction was extreme because I thought it was the end of my career," continued the 38-time France international, whose contract with Bayonne expires next June.

"At 36, I'm definitely not at the beginning of my career. But believe me, I'm not at the end, I'm not ready to turn the page, and I'm not ready to quit. I'm challenging myself to return before the end of the season."

Machenaud came on in the 54th minute in the 47-24 defeat at Pau last weekend before picking up the injury a quarter-of-an-hour later during unintentional contact with teammate Emerick Setiano.

Machenaud then left the pitch limping and in tears.