Toulon’s Romain Taofifenua was cited post match for kicking Ulster’s Stuart Olding in the head during their European Rugby Champions Cup fixture on the weekend, receiving a three week ban for the act.
The 24 year old French international lock was in danger of missing the upcoming November internationals if the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) decide it was a deliberate act.
A statement from the EPCR indicated possibility that Taofifenua could have faced a suspension of up to 52 weeks, however many believed (including the match commentators) that Taofifenua did not intentionally strike Olding in the back of the head, instead attempting to kick the ball out of the ruck as seen in many previous European club rugby matches.
There is no denying that it was a dangerous act from the Lock, highlighted by the slow motion replay which shows the brutality enforced on Olding and the sheer force of the kick causing severe whiplash.
Olding walked from the field aided by two medical staff and never returned due to a possible concussion.
Despite the various replays shown on the big screen in front of a cringing crowd, the television match official did not intervene and Taofifenua remained on the field.
France play host to Fiji, Australia and Argentina in the November Internationals which kick off next weekend for Les Bleus in Marseille.
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