Star Dragon stretchered from field after leg injury

Plagued by injury throughout his career, Bird dragged himself from the field of play and began slamming his fist onto the ground in agony.

A handful of staffers rushed to attend to Bird, who was burying his head in the Accor Stadium turf.

Play continued for around two minutes before touch judge Kasey Badger motioned for Adam Gee to stop the game.

Bird was hoisted onto a stretcher and left the field on a medicab, with Raymond Faitala-Mariner coming into the game in his place.

Bird's injury came after the Dragons lost prop Hame Sele to a suspected right shoulder injury earlier in the first half.

The Dragons nevertheless led 12-6 at the break following tries to Jacob Liddle and Moses Suli.