Champions Cup: Tolu Latu’s season over amid suspension and alcohol problem claims

Lawrence Nolan 12 Apr 2022 8:59 AM

Stade Francais hooker Tolu Latu’s season was ended prematurely on Tuesday with an 11-week suspension for his mid-air tackle of Baptise Chouzenoux on Saturday.

With Stade Francais owner Hans-Peter Wild going on record, telling L’Equipe that Latu is struggling with an alcohol problem, the outlook is bleak indeed for the player.

Damning statement

Latu took Chouzenoux out of the air with an ugly tackle in the 67th minute of Saturday’s game, and the disciplinary panel found the offence to be at the top end of World Rugby’s sanctions list, with 12 weeks selected as the appropriate entry point.

The ban was reduced on the basis of Latu’s guilty plea and apology, but extended by a week on the basis of Latu’s previous disciplinary indiscretions.

The tackle infuriated club owner Wild, however, who pulled no punches in an interview which was initially to discuss the progress of the Stade Francais project and which casted heavy doubt on Latu’s future with the club.

“We talk about discipline and Latu is still sent off against Racing,” said the founder of the Capri-Sun drinks company.

“Latu is a problem… mostly an extra-sporting problem with alcohol. You have to admit it, otherwise you will never solve the problem.

“Latu spends more time off the field than on it and, with regard to young people, it is not a good example.

“He has to heal himself, reorganize his life. We can help him, but as with any addiction, Latu is like an elephant in your living room. To solve the problem, you have to take out the elephant and not take out the objects that break.”

Australia