Rugby-France centre Bastareaud injured in Wellington attack

WELLINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) - France centre Mathieu Bastareaud is returning home after being attacked in Wellington hours after his side lost the second test to New Zealand on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Bastareaud suffered a suspected broken eye socket and needed four stitches in his cheek after being struck as he returned to the team hotel, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported on Monday.

"The guys recognised him as a French rugby player and began speaking to him in an aggressive way," France team spokesman Lionel Rossigneux told RNZ.

Bastareaud has been ruled out of Saturday's test against Australia in Sydney and will return to France.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said his organisation was "bitterly disappointed" about the attack.

"(It's) not good for New Zealand. I'm sure the whole country would join me in sending our apologies to him," Tew told RNZ.

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Ed Osmond; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)