Rougerie has not played since August's friendly between his club Montferrand and Wasps, when he says he received various injuries as a result of a challenge by England hooker Greening.

According to the Daily Mail, Rougerie's court case against Wasps will get underway early in 2003 Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Their report claims Rougerie has had two operations on his throat since the tackle, spending two months in hospital and missing France's three internationals this month which might have netted him �12,000 in match fees.

"I had a hole put in my stomach and I was fed liquid," Rougerie was quoted as saying.

"It wasn't until after the second operation that I could eat properly again. We have video evidence of how the injury happened and it will be shown in court.

"I have no idea whether Greening will attend, but it would be the right thing to do. I hope to gain some compensation, not just for the physical pain but the mental pain.

"I was only able to start training last week. I hope to gain some satisfaction. This sort of thing must not go unpunished."

Rougerie's lawyer Jean-Paul Brousse said that at this stage he was asking the court merely to authorise a medical report on the player's injuries.

"On that basis we will calculate the sum involved and press for compensation from Wasps," added Brousse, who also conceded that an out-of-court agreement with the English club was possible.