Dorian Aldegheri's costly red card results in ban

Toulouse and France tighthead prop Dorian Aldegheri has been banned for three weeks following his 20-minute red card against Bordeaux-Begles in the Invesctec Champions Cup quarter-final.

The prop was shown the red card late in the first half by referee Matthew Carley for a late tackle on compatriot Damian Penaud, with his side winning 7-5 at the time at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

The reigning champions went on to win the contest 30-15, ending Toulouse’s hopes of a sixth European title.

While Toulouse sit comfortably at the summit of the Top 14 table currently, they will have to make do without the France No.3 over the next three weeks, or two should he complete the World Rugby Coaching intervention programme.

The 32-year-old accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card in a hearing via video conference this week. A disciplinary committee decided the uphold the red card, determining the offence met the mid-range entry point of a six-week ban.

Fixture

Top 14

Castres

12:00

18 Apr 26

Toulouse

All Stats and Data

Due to the prop’s acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play, his expression of remorse and his good disciplinary record, the ban was halved, with the coaching intervention programme potentially reducing it by a further week.

Should he complete the programme, the 28-cap France international will be unavailable for fixtures against Castres and ASM Clermont-Auvergne.

Toulouse were well in control of the match at the time of Aldegheri’s late tackle, which was completely unnecessary. By the team his replacement after 20 minutes, Joel Merkler, joined the action, Toulouse were trailing 19-15 with Bordeaux in the driving seat. Their attempt to claw their way back into the match was not helped either by a yellow card to talisman Antoine Dupont for a trip while attempting to make a tackle near his line.