Up to a dozen men armed with knives, machetes and swords attacked a group of rugby players returning to their hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Clermont Auvergne team were spending a few days in Millau in southern France before heading to a training camp. The players were reurning to their hotel after a trip to a local nighclub when the incident occurred.
Julien Pierre, Aurelien Rougerie and Benjamin Kayser, all French internationals, were hospitalised after the attack and Pierre will have to undergo reconstructive surgery to treat deep cuts to his hip.
None of the injuries are life-threatening and the club released a statement confirming that police are investigating the incident.
In a statement on the club's website, in French, officials said the entire club was shocked by the attack and was providing assistance to the authorities.