Exclusive - Players paying too high a price, says union head

Britain Rugby Union - Leicester Tigers v Racing 92 - European Rugby Champions Cup Pool One - Welford Road - 23/10/16 Dan Carter of Racing 92 looks dejected Action Images via Reuters / Henry Browne Livepic

MONTPELLIER, France (Reuters) - Professional rugby is taking such a terrible physical and mental toll on the players, shortening careers and leaving a lifelong legacy of disability, that the soul of the sport is under threat, the head of the French players' union has warned.

Player welfare has again been under scrutiny after it was revealed that former All Black Dan Carter played the French Top 14 final for Racing Metro after receiving an injection of corticoids - a legal steroid used to treat inflammation.