Antoine Dupont outburst justified as ex-Wallabies star and serial offender banned for Leinster clash after ‘horrible cheap shot’
Tolu Latu during La Rochelle's clash with Toulouse and the hooker's clearout which led to a yellow card.
Former Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu will miss this weekend’s Champions Cup encounter against Leinster after being banned for a nasty clearout.
The front-rower’s hit on Toulouse youngster Simon Daroque in the Top 14 on Saturday caused outrage.
Latu came in from the side as Daroque competed for the ball at the breakdown and it resulted in the teenager clutching his shoulder, while some of his weight also went on the scrum-half’s left leg.
The 31-year-old, who is a serial offender, was subsequently cited and banned, with the disciplinary panel imposing a three-week suspension on the experienced Australia.
He will be absent for their Investec Champions Cup ties against Leinster and Benetton, as well as their Top 14 clash with Toulon.
LNR statement
“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 Ligue Nationale de Rugby statement read
“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.”
Latu’s illegal shot on the Toulouse 19-year-old stirred a debate, which was then exacerbated by Antoine Dupont’s message after the match.
Dupont, whose profile is unsurprisingly huge in France, took to Instagram and firstly praised the young Toulouse players, writing: “Proud of the talent and courage of the youngsters”, before appearing to hit out at the officiating, adding: “On the other hand, the protection of the physical integrity of the players…”.
Les Bleus’ superstar found plenty of support, including from former Test player Richard Dourthe, who slammed the decision of the referee to only issue a yellow card.
‘Shameful’
“I find it shameful. Mr. [Luc] Ramos was the referee at the time of a dangerous tackle by [Manu] Tuilagi on Alldritt [in October] and there was nothing,” Dourthe said on the Canal Rugby Show.
“Grégory Alldritt had told him ‘don’t talk about player safety anymore’. Well, that’s a typical example.
“He’s also a 19-year-old who isn’t muscularly formed yet. Latu takes out his shoulder right on his knee. The kid comes out with a broken shoulder.
“Honestly, there are three or four referees… For me, it’s a red card!”
Plenty on social media also hit out at Latu for his actions and the decision not to hand him a red card.
“Tolu Latu, again,” Tight Five Rugby wrote.
“Hate to keep mentioning it but he is an actual danger. One of the worst card records of all time, seems to never learn.
“This one is terrible.”
In response, one person wrote: “Outrageous clear out. Red card all day. Cannot fathom how the ref only gave a yellow”, while another added: “Horrible cheapshot that and no need at all.”
