News

Medard on the mend

July 05 2009

France wing Maxime Medard believes he has recovered from swine flu and will soon be able to resume training.

The 22-year-old Toulouse back is suspected of picking up the illness during his time in Australia where he played in France's 22-6 Test match loss against the Wallabies on June 27.

After taking advice from the French team's doctor, he went to hospital on Thursday and has since been taking medication to treat the H1N1 virus.

He told La Depeche du Midi newspaper on Sunday: "I'm better, I don't have any more symptoms. I'm still resting, but I'll be able to go out soon.

"I'm still taking [medication] until it all runs out. I'm taking all the precautions, I'm wearing a mask to protect my loved ones."

He recalled the symptoms since prompted him to go to hospital.

"I went on holiday in the southwest, near Avignon. And the symptoms started on Wednesday at the hotel where I was staying.

"At about lunchtime on Wednesday, I started to feel bad. I went to bed. And Wednesday afternoon, I couldn't get up, even to go to the toilet.

"My nose was stuffed up, I had cramps in my legs, back and neck," said Megard, who alerted hotel staff and they called for an ambulance to take him to nearby Avignon hospital.

After responding well to his medication, he now hopes to resume training with his club later this month.

Australia has had more than 1,000 confirmed swine flu cases, including among professional rugby players.