Toulon's Mermoz out, Halfpenny fit for Leinster clash

Toulon centre Maxime Mermoz has been ruled out of their European Rugby Champions Cup semi-final clash against Leinster in Marseille's Velodrome Stadium this weekend, while full-back Leigh Halpenny has been declared fit.

France international Mermoz suffered a wrist injury and will miss the European champions' tie against the Irish province on Sunday.

Welsh player Halfpenny was sidelined with a dislocated shoulder during Saturday's 35-24 win over Grenoble in the Top 14.

Halfpenny went off after 43 minutes but the injury is less serious than first feared by coach Bernard Laporte.

South African back rower Juanne Smith also returns from a knee sprain.
Source: AFP