Toulouse lash out at EPCR over Kaino ban decision which 'relates to feelings and not on facts'

Toulouse have heavily criticised the EPCR over their decision to ban Jerome Kaino for five games and have announced they're going to appeal the ruling.

The Top 14 club say it was judgement based on "feelings and not on facts". They've also labelled Lucas Pointud ban "questionable", but have yet to decide whether to appeal the sanction.

Kaino was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Eugene Ryan (Ireland), for striking the Bath Rugby centre, Jamie Roberts, with his shoulder in the 39th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.12: Striking with the shoulder.

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The Committee upheld the citing complaint as it determined that Kaino had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card.

On the basis that the incident involved contact to the head, the Committee was obliged under World Rugby regulations to find that the offence was at least at the mid-range of the sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

In the absence of a guilty plea, but in consideration of the player’s good conduct at the hearing, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by one week before imposing a five-week suspension.

In a strongly-worded statement on their club website Toulouse said: "Stade Toulousain has taken note of the decision of the independent Disciplinary Committee of the RHIB, which suspended its player Jerome Kaino for five games following the meeting Champions Cup October 13 facing Bath.

The Stade Toulousain denies vehemently that decision, which is not based on clear and obvious observable for foul play in connection with Rule 9.12 of World Rugby.

"Stade Toulousain will appeal the sanction, as it allows the disciplinary regulations of the EPCR, considering that the judgement relates to feelings and not on facts.

"The Stade Toulousain also studying the decision of the independent Disciplinary Committee of the EPCR on his player Lucas Pointud because evoked charges of reasons appear questionable.

If the bans are upheld, Kaino will only be free to play again from Monday, 3 December, while Pointud isn't eligible until November 26th.

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