Controversial French star returns to Top 14 action
PREVIEW: France fullback Melvyn Jaminet, who has been suspended since the start of the season for racist remarks, returns to rugby this weekend for Toulon against Stade Francais, his coach Pierre Mignoni said on Friday.
Jaminet, who has 20 international caps, was suspended for 34 weeks, reduced to 26, by the French Rugby Federation last July for “undermining the best interests of rugby” after posting a video containing racist remarks on social media during France’s tour of Argentina.
Jaminet has been back in training with Toulon for several weeks but has not played a match since France’s Test win against the Pumas in Mendoza on July 6.
His last Top 14 game was against La Rochelle in June.
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“I think Melvyn has accepted his responsibility,” said Mignoni at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“We supported him. We had to be close to him and make him accept his sanctions.
“He has paid his dues and now we have to give him the opportunity to be a rugby player.”
Toulon are third in the Top 14 going into Round 17, just three points behind leaders Toulouse, while Paris giants Stade Francais are struggling in 12th, only four points clear of bottom side Vannes.
