Montpellier's Tomas out of Clermont clash

Montpellier scrum half Julien Tomas will miss Saturday's European Cup quarter-final against compatriots Clermont as he recuperates from being knocked cold playing Mont-de-Marsan last weekend, his club said Wednesday. Tomas had tests at the start of the week but was unable to train either Tuesday or Wednesday as the squad held sessions at nearby Agde. Tomas had to go off midway through the first half after he collided with second-rower Wame Lewaravu, giving way to Benoît Paillaugue. Eric Escande has been drafted into the squad in his place. Argentinian international centre Santiago Fernandez is set to play having recovered from a toe fracture suffered against Bordeaux-Bègles on February 23. From: AFP