More injury woe for Castaignede

Castaignede is determined to return to fitness

Thomas Castaignede has suffered a recurrence of the Achilles problem that has kept him out for since last November.

But the French star is adamant that he will win his injury battle and return to top-flight rugby.

"I'll be back one day, if my body holds up," maintained the 26-year old.

"In three months, six months or a year it doesn't matter.

Castaignede: impressed with Saracen's officials

"I would like to come back before the end of the season, but I am not going to rush it and come back too early."

Nine months after a first operation, the talented back went under the surgeon's knife last month after suffering pain when he tried to run.

"The doctors just opened up my Achilles to drain fluid. Now we're just waiting for the skin to heal."

Castaignede, who normally plays at fly half for Saracens, says that the Zurich Premiership club deserves a lot of praise for the way they have treated him.

"The directors at Saracens have been brilliant. There hasn't been any problem with my contract - in fact they've even offered to extend it by four years," He added.

Castaignede has not pulled on a French shirt since they took on Australia last November.