Clermont's Nick Abendanon out for three months

Clermont Auvergne have been dealt a blow with the news that Nick Abendanon is to miss a three months of action after undergoing groin surgery.

The European Player of the Year last played on January 8 and, after consulting with a specialist, it was decided he would need an operation.

Clermont subsequently released a statement on Wednesday that confirmed the full-back will be absent for around three months.

The Top 14 side missed their star man at the weekend as they lost 37-28  to Bordeaux and finished bottom of their European Rugby Champions Cup pool.

Team-mate Benson Stanley is also out for up to six weeks having had surgery on a long-standing groin problem.