Racing 92's Paul Costes remains hospitalised weeks after scooter accident

Racing 92 centre Paul Costes remains in hospital as he continues his recovery from a scooter accident suffered last week, the Top 14 club confirmed in a medical bulletin posted on social media on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, who joined Racing from Toulouse over the summer, was last seen on the field in the club’s 48-31 round two defeat to Lyon. While no exact return date has been given, he is expected to miss an extended period of action.

The bulletin also revealed that France loosehead Hassane Kolingar is recovering at home after suffering a health issue during round five of the Top 14. The 28-year-old was forced off in the first half of Racing’s 55-25 victory over USA Perpignan at Stade Dominique Duvauchelle on October 3. The club has not yet disclosed the nature of his condition.

“Following a health issue during Round 5, Hassane Kolingar is recovering at home,” the club wrote. “Paul Costes remains hospitalised and is continuing his recovery after his traffic accident. Hassane, Paul — the whole club is behind you; we are thinking of you.”

Head coach Patrice Collazo addressed both absences after Racing’s 29-15 defeat to Toulon at the Stade Mayol. “Paul is slowly recovering. There’s Paul, and Hassane. These things happen… These are life’s trials,” Collazo said. “It allows us to put things into perspective. It allows us, when you belong to a group like Racing 92 and you hear that you don’t have this, and that… What matters is what happens in the locker room.”

Racing now travel to Thomond Park in Ireland to face Munster in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup, doing so without two of their squad members whose situations extend well beyond the rugby field.