1
Blow for La Rochelle as Tolu Latu cops ban ahead of Leinster match
By Liam Heagney
La Rochelle’s hopes of clipping Leinster’s wings in the Investec Champions Cup this Sunday have been dented by the suspension handed down on to hooker Tolu Latu. The 31-year-old was cited by officials in France following a 50th minute yellow card in last Sunday’s Top 14 win over Toulouse.
That resulted in a midweek disciplinary hearing and the verdict which emerged on Wednesday evening was a three-game ban, meaning the front-rower won’t play for Ronan O’Gara’s side again this month.
La Rochelle host European rivals Leinster at Stade Marcel-Deflandre this Sunday but ex-Wallabies hooker Latu will now be missing, and he will also sit out the following Champions Cup game at Benetton on January 18 and then the Top 14 encounter away to Toulon on January 26.
A Ligue Nationale de Rugby statement read: “Tolu Latu was found responsible for dangerous play in the context of a ruck or maul: (iv) player falling on another player or colliding with his lower limbs.
“A suspension of four weeks was the entry point. After taking into account the aggravating circumstance (disciplinary record), the sanction was increased by one week.
“After taking into account mitigating circumstances (recognition of the facts, conduct before and during the hearing, expression of remorse), the sanction was reduced by two weeks. Therefore, Latu is suspended for three weeks.”
With French international Pierre Bourgarit yet to return from the serious leg injury he sustained last September, O’Gara will likely turn to Quentin Lespiaucq-Brettes to start against Leinster.
Lespiaucq-Brettes provided cover from the bench in last month’s European wins over Bath and Bristol, and he was also a replacement in last weekend’s last-gasp league win over Toulouse.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Sam Simmonds' Montpellier replacement a blow for Wallabies – report
3
Camille Chat breaks silence on his immediate effect Racing 92 exit
4
Six players Rassie Erasmus must hand Springbok debuts to in 2025
5
Latest Comments
A new hard edge to Wallaby rugby that sorts out who is "all in" versus those in two minds. Razor should take note and forget his push for off-shore selections and infatuation with Mounga.
Go to commentsI like the idea of Elrigh Louw as a long-term option for captaincy. Honestly, it’s hard to say who else could take on that role after Siya Kolisi, as 2027 is still a long way off. In my opinion, Siya will likely go to the Rugby World Cup in 2027 unless injury or a significant dip in form prevents him.
Between now and 2027, I think the captaincy will be shared among several players as Siya’s playing time is carefully managed—a strategy the Springboks have been implementing for some time. Younger players like Salmaan Moerat might get opportunities to captain in tier-two matches, as we’ve already seen. Other emerging talents like Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could also be considered, though the Boks have traditionally favored forwards for captaincy roles. Damian Willemse is another possibility, but he first needs to play his way back into the team.
My personal feeling is that there should be an effort to appoint a black captain to replace Siya. His captaincy has been pivotal in broadening rugby's appeal across racial groups in South Africa over the past 7 years. More so than any other period in the last 30 years.
Form permitting, Moerat is a strong contender, given his leadership qualities and pedigree. However, some might view such an appointment as political, potentially overlooking Moerat's real potential and the broader significance of such a decision.
Other players with leadership potential have been mentioned, such as Phepsi Buthelezi. However, it remains to be seen whether the former DHS star will secure a permanent spot in the Springbok lineup. The first Zulu captain of the Springboks?
One positive aspect of the uncertainty around Siya’s long-term successor is the way the Springboks have emphasized shared leadership among senior players. This approach has lessened the pressure on a single captain and allowed the team to thrive collectively.
When Siya was first appointed, there was skepticism about his leadership credentials. And whether he was the best 6 in the country. The shared leadership strategy gave him the support and platform to grow into the exceptional captain he is today. And he's proven critics wrong about his abilities as a player.
I find it interesting that he's playing at 8 for the Sharks. Rassie has made a habit of taking 36ers and above to the World Cup, players who bring options to the table like Frans Steyn, Schalk Brits, Duane Vermeulen and more recently Deon Fourie.
All of SA wants to see Siya win a 3rd World Cup. That's for sure.
Go to comments