French Giants Biarrtiz Limping towards European exit

French glamour club Biarritz have been hit by injuries ahead of their European Cup clash against Glasgow on Friday where they need a win to keep alive their fading hopes of a quarter-final place.

The 2006 runners-up will have to call on third-choice scrum-half Fabien Cibray after Julien Dupuy, with a knee injury, joined French international Dimitri Yachvili on the sidelines.

Dupuy, who has deputised for Yachvili in the club’s last two games, suffered the injury during his team’s shock 9-6 defeat to Glasgow in Scotland last weekend.

Kicking responsibilities for Biarritz look likely to be handed to Damien Traille.

Biarritz are currently third in Pool 4 with nine points from three games while Glasgow are second with 10. Saracens lead the group with 11 points.

Glasgow go into the game buoyed by last week’s win as well as having secured the signatures of John Barclay and Johnnie Beattie on new contracts.

The international back-row pair have signed up until 2010.

“What a fantastic coup for Glasgow and Scottish rugby,” said Glasgow coach Sean Lineen.

“Here we have two quality young players who are only going to get better. They will be looked after in Scotland and it is a great example of two players who are eager to stay in Scotland, which will only help strengthen the professional game.” Friday’s other game sees 1999 champions Ulster, rooted to the bottom of Pool 2 with just one point, tackle Welsh side Ospreys.

The group is being dominated by Gloucester who have a 100-percent record and Ospreys need a victory to maintain any hope of making the last eight.

The Welsh team crushed Ulster 48-17 last weekend but their planning for the game has been overshadowed by speculation that their controversial centre Gavin Henson is being lined up by Widnes to switch to rugby league.

But Ospreys director of rugby Kevin Hopkins told the Lancashire side that Henson is not for sale.

“Gavin is not going anywhere,” said Hopkins.

“He is our player and we are happy with his contribution. We have got a good squad and the last thing we would want to do is reduce the quality of it.”

Friday’s matches Pool 2 Ulster v Ospreys

Pool 4 Biarritz v Glasgow

Sapa-AFP Rugbyweek.com