France outside back banned following dangerous tackle

NEWS: La Rochelle’s France international wing Teddy Thomas has been banned for four weeks for a dangerous tackle in a Top 14 game against Clermont, the French national rugby league said Thursday.

The 31-year-old had initially received a yellow card after striking Clermont flyhalf Theo Giral in the neck during La Rochelle’s 20-15 win on December 21.

Now suspended until January 27, Thomas will miss La Rochelle’s clash with his future club Toulouse on Saturday and the Champions Cup game at home against Leinster the following week.

Thomas, who began his career on the wing but was moved to centre this season, has signed a three-year contract with Toulouse from next season.

The 28-time capped Thomas, who last played for France in 2021, has scored six tries in nine Top 14 matches this season.