Compensation claim news
24/10/2007

Rugby star in damages bid

A member of France's recent Rugby World Cup squad has revealed he is to make a compensation claim against European champions Wasps.

Aurelien Rougerie is suing the London-based club after, he claims, a tackle by Phil Greening in 2002 left him with a damaged throat, out of the game for three months and in need of surgery.

The incident happened during a pre-season friendly and the 27-year-old French winger is now demanding £60,000 in personal injury damages and lost earnings.

Rougerie, who was in the France squad recently destroyed by England in the World Cup semi-finals, alleges Wasps player Greening intentionally elbowed him during the match five years ago when he was playing for Clermont-Ferrand.

His lawyer explained why a compensation claim is being made, saying: "We would not have taken this action if there had been an apology for what happened. Neither Greening nor his club have been in contact with us during the last five years – no call or no letter. We will show the tape at the tribunal and we want this dangerous incident condemned."

Wasps deny their former England international had done anything wrong and said: "This goes back a long way to a perfectly legitimate tackle in a pre-season friendly. Phil Greening handed off Rougerie but unfortunately, because of the Frenchman's body position, he sustained an injury. They never asked for an apology."

This personal injury compensation claim is the first of its type involving international rugby players and experts think it could set a dangerous precedent.

Wasps' David Davies said, "We've had discussions with the RFU and the IRB because a case like this can greatly undermine sports players when they place in France. It opens up the possibility of any player being subjected to a personal damages claim."