ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Tuesday May 4, 2010

How Imanol Harinordoquy broke his nose on Sebastien Chabal

If you watched the Heineken Cup semi final between Biarritz and Munster on the weekend you will have noticed that Imanol Harinordoquy had something rather peculiar attached to his face. Sebastien Chabal has something to do with that.

ADVERTISEMENT

Harinordoquy broke his nose when playing against Racing Metro in the Top 14, leading to him being a doubtful starter for the big Heineken Cup home clash with Munster.

Such is the courage of the man, and the hugeness of the occasion, that he didnt let it stop him running out and contributing towards his sides 18-7 win.

“There is no way they will play a match of this size without him,” said Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery during the week. He was correct, and we all watched in awe and fascination as the big Frenchman turned up wearing a somewhat bizarre looking facemask.

His performance was inspirational as he overcame the pain and awkwardness of not only the broken nose, but the rib injury which also troubled him, before he eventually walked off to a standing ovation.

When seeing that facemask, the question for many fans was ‘ How did he break his nose in the first place?’ News stories reported that it was through a clash with Sebastien Chabal. Some then interpreted that as meaning there was a big hit, so the emails got sent my way and the task was to find the moment of the incident.

So, here it is. I can tell you that its anything but deliberate intent from Chabal, as it was simply an unlucky knock that occurred after a good drive off the base of the scrum.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hardly spectacular, but at least now everyone will know what happened, and why Harinordoquy looked like he did for one of the most important matches of his career.

Time: 01:27

Comments




Related Articles

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Rugby X - The fastest ever variation of Rugby...

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Just Jonny Wilkinson smashing people

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Brilliant footage shows old school...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Transfer News: George North to take considerable talents to France

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Tom Foley takes break from officiating international matches following death threats

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

View All