Calf injury keeps Aaron Cruden out of action for a month

Montpellier head coach Vern Cotter has confirmed that fly-half Aaron Cruden will miss a month of action following a calf injury.

The New Zealand international sustained the injury during last weekend's Top 14 clash against Lyon which his side went on to lose 55-13.

The game also saw Cruden returning to the field after spending two weeks on the sidelines and now will miss Montpellier's next three matches against Toulouse, Perpignan and Toulon.

Cotter said he is expecting the 29-year-old to be fit in time for the start of the European Champions Cup campaign that will kick-off on 13th October with a clash against Edinburgh.

“He hurt himself during the warm-up in Lyon, but he played for an hour. In principle, he will be ready for the start of the European Cup,” said Cotter.

Cruden, who played most of his career with Super Rugby sides Hurricanes and Chiefs joined Montpellier in 2017.

Montpellier are currently positioned 11th in the Top 14 table with a solitary win from four games and will host Toulouse next on Sunday.