Bordeaux-Begles player cited following Henry Pollock ‘fracas’
Bordeaux-Begles prop Jefferson Poirot in action during the 2025 Champions Cup final
Bordeaux-Begles prop Jefferson Poirot has been cited following the incident with Henry Pollock after Saturday’s Champions Cup final, EPCR have confirmed.
The loosehead was one of several Bordeaux players seen around the British and Irish Lions tourist at the full-time whistle, and was later pictured with his match-shirt ripped as a result.
Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson had previously confirmed the referees were made aware of the incident and would be dealing with it.
Jefferson Poirot cited following Henry Pollock incident
In a statement, EPCR confirmed the Frenchman is alleged to have ‘committed an act contrary to good sportsmanship’.
“EPCR has received a citing complaint against the Union Bordeaux-Bègles prop, Jefferson Poirot (No 1), following the Investec Champions Cup final match between Northampton Saints and Union Bordeaux-Bègles at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 24 May,” the statement read.
“Poirot is alleged to have committed an act contrary to good sportsmanship towards the Northampton Saints Number 8, Henry Pollock, shortly after the final whistle in contravention of Law 9.27; in that he is alleged to have grasped the throat of Henry Pollock in a way that was dangerous and had the potential to cause serious harm.
“The complaint was made by the match Citing Commissioner, Tim Lowry (Ireland).
“Law 9.27 A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship.
“Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.27 carries the following sanction entry points for offending of this nature: Low-end – 4 week/matches; Mid-range – 8 weeks/matches; Top-end 12-52 weeks/matches.
“Simon Thomas (Wales, Chair), Marcello D’Orey (Portugal) and Val Toma (Romania) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing, which will take place by video conference on Thursday 29 May.”
The incident has already dominated the headlines following Saturday’s showpiece event in Cardiff, which Bordeaux won 28-20, with Saints boss Dowson branding it as ‘out of order’.
“There’s a fracas at the end, and there’s foul play involved,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“I’ve been assured the touch judge has seen it, but Henry Pollock was particularly upset by it because it was uncalled for and out of order.
“He reacted, and the officials have told me they will deal with it.”
READ MORE: Northampton lodge complaint over Henry Pollock treatment as Saints allege Bordeaux ‘foul play’
