Machete attack on France trio Rougerie, Pierre and Kayser

Three France internationals have been taken to hospital after an attack by a gang armed with machetes and swords.

Clermont Auvergne's Aurelien Rougerie, Julien Pierre and Benjamin Kayser were assaulted in Millau, southern France, at around 03:00 local time on Sunday.

Pierre - who along with Rougerie was part of the France team that lost the 2011 Rugby World Cup final - will have surgery on "deep cuts" to his hip.

A club statement said none of the injuries was life-threatening., external

Clermont's 33-year-old captain Rougerie, capped 77 times by his country, and Kayser have injuries to their arms from the attack in Millau, where the players were staying before heading to a club training camp.

Police said the trio had been to a nightclub. No-one was detained at the scene.

"A group of players were assaulted by a dozen people carrying weapons including machetes, knives, swords," Clermont said in a statement.

"We are deeply shocked and outraged by these acts and will bring all the necessary support to local authorities who have launched a probe."

Kayser, 29, has played 24 times for France and Pierre, 33, has 27 caps.