French-based Irish coach banned for ref abuse
NEWS: La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara has been suspended for five weeks for “actions against a match official”.
The National Rugby League’s disciplinary committee had initially only issued a reprimand and a fine for the La Rochelle coach for his behaviour during his team’s 26-45 Top 14 loss to Toulon at the end of January.
But the federal appeals committee took a more stringent approach towards O’Gara who has already been suspended several times in his career.
The former Ireland flyhalf was found guilty of “actions against a match official” and “threatening acts or words towards a match official”.
As a result, O’Gara will be banned from the pitch until the end of the regular season and for possible play-off games.
La Rochelle, who are seventh in the Top 14 and travelling to bottom side Vannes on Saturday, have the right to appeal this decision.
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