Northern | US

Former Wallaby red-carded after unthinkable act sparks brawl in Top 14 clash


The in-goal brawl sparked by Sita Timani in the Clermont-Castres Top 14 clash. (Source/Canal TV)
Comments
Comment

Former Wallaby Sitaleki Timani has been red-carded in his Top 14 clash for Clermont against Castres over the weekend after committing a bizarre retaliation.

ADVERTISEMENT

With his side up 30-3 early in the second half, Castres managed to score a try following a quick tap by reserve halfback Rory Kockott.

The Castres’ halfback tapped Timani on the head as he walked past the fallen defender, prompting Timani to rise up and bitch-slap Kockott as he celebrated the score.

Kockott fell to the ground in a soccer-style Hollywood act, grabbing the back of his head while the slap sparked a brawl in the in-goal between the two teams.

After the commotion was over Kockott received a yellow card for his actions while Timani was red-carded.

The bizarre action and reaction is not something often seen on a rugby field, especially the unthinkable act of slapping an opponent in the face.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tongan-born lock made over 50 Super Rugby appearances from 2009-2013 for the Waratahs, Brumbies and Western Force and debuted for the Wallabies in 2011, representing Australia 18 times.

Timani received a three-year deal to join Montpellier in 2013 and made the switch to the French club following the end of year tour with the Wallabies. He joined ASM Clermont at the conclusion of that contract and has been with them since.

Clermont went on to win the match 39-22 to stay within touching distance of the top four after fourth-placed Toulouse and third-placed Toulon shared a draw.

Former All Black Isaia Toeava set up two tries on three line breaks while his All Black midfield partner George Moala also bagged a try.

ADVERTISEMENT

ASM Clermont sits in fifth place on 28 competition points equal with Racing 92 and La Rochelle.

Inside the Barbarians – Trailer:

Video Spacer

Get the RugbyPass App 📱

Follow the biggest matches with live scores, line-ups, news and analysis, all in the RugbyPass App.

Download Here
On Apple IOS, Android, and Tablet.
ADVERTISEMENT
Play Video
LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Long Reads

Comments on RugbyPass

P
Phantom 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



...

18 Go to comments
Close Panel
Close Panel

Edition & Time Zone

{{current.name}}
Set time zone automatically
{{selectedTimezoneTitle}} (auto)
Choose a different time zone
Close Panel

Editions

Close Panel

Change Time Zone

Close
ADVERTISEMENT
Copied to clipboard

Share Article close