Mathieu Bastareaud made his name as a hugely promising centre for Stade Francais in the Top 14. Possessing an alarmingly powerful game he complements the silky running of many French centres.

Bastareaud emerged from the youth system of French third division side SU Massy before representing their first team and earning a contract with Stade Francais. Following some impressive performances in the Top 14 he was called into the France squad to play Wales in the 2009 Six Nations following an injury to Perpignan's Maxime Mermoz and went straight into the starting XV.

Later in 2009 Bastareaud became the subject of a media storm when he falsified an account of an assault while in New Zealand with the French side. He was later reportedly admitted to a psychiatric hospital following incursions in to his private life by the press.

Bastareaud was eventually ordered to complete community service by the FFR, with a three-month suspended playing ban. He was not considered for selection in France's November Tests by coach Lievremont, but was handed a recall in early 2010 as France prepared for the Six Nations.

In the opening game of the tournament, against Scotland at Murrayfield, he scored a first-half brace of tries to power France to an 18-9 victory.

Scrum Staff