New twist in Laporte saga
The French Rugby Federation are to appeal the 60-day ban imposed on Toulon Sporting Director Bernard Laporte by the National Rugby League (LNR), the Top 14 club confirmed on Thursday.
The former France coach was punished for comments he made about the referee during a Top 14 game against Montpellier on March 2. The ban runs until May 19.
Laporte appealed the ban and has been called to appear before the FFR on April 24 next, where he could run the risk of having his penalty extended.
“It’s quite rare. As a general rule you can’t have more than the first sanction,” said Toulon owner and president Mourad Boudjellal.
Boudjellal is himself serving a 130-day ban after using lurid language to describe the refereeing in a Top 14 game against Clermont on January 8.
Toulon are third in the Top 14 standings 15 points behind leaders Toulouse.
Laporte was also fined €1,500 and his club €4,000.
* Meanwhile former All Blacks scrumhalf Byron Kelleher confirmed on Thursday that he has quit French Top 14 side Stade Francais.
The 35-year-old, who earned 57 caps playing for the All Blacks between 1999 and 2007, arrived in Paris last year after four seasons with league rivals Toulouse, with his contract due to expire in 2013.
“I’ve been liberated from my contract with the Stade Francais,” Kelleher, who played 12 top flight games for Stade, said on his website.
“I will now focus on my next season. I want to send all my best wishes to the guys. I sincerely hope they will have a great end of season, and that they will have other excellent ones. This is a great group that deserves to earn titles.”
He did not reveal plans for his future, but added: “I am a player, and I will still be a player for sure next season. Then, I will work on many projects.”
Mid-table Stade Francais travel to title-chasing Clermont on Saturday.
AFP
