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Ronan O'Gara part of double ban as challenge mounts for La Rochelle in South Africa
By Josh Raisey
La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara will watch his side’s clash with the Stormers in the Investec Champions Cup from the stands of the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday after being handed a two-match touchline ban following his red card against Pau in the Top 14.
The former Ireland international was dismissed by referee Jeremy Rozier in the 53-33 defeat to Pau for repeatedly arguing with him, stemming from the decision to show a red card to fly-half Antoine Hastoy in the opening minute for his ‘kung-fu kick’ while catching the ball.
O’Gara watched La Rochelle’s round one victory over Leicester Tigers from the stands as he awaited his punishment, and will now face a further week away from the touchline before he can return, as well as a €3k fine.
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The Stormers have made an unbeaten start to the season in the Champions Cup and the United Rugby Championship, and this only makes the challenge harder for the visitors.
Hastoy, meanwhile, has also been banned for three games for dangerous play.
A Ligue Nationale Rugby statement reads: “Mr. Ronan O’Gara was found guilty of ‘action against a match official,’ specifically of ‘disrespecting the authority of a match official.’
“The initial penalty, a two-week suspension, was the lowest level on the scale of severity.
“After taking into account the aggravating circumstance (disciplinary record), the sanction was increased by one week.
“After considering mitigating circumstances (expression of remorse, admission of guilt, and conduct before and during the hearing), the sanction was reduced by one week.
“Therefore, Mr. Ronan O’Gara is suspended for two weeks and also fined €3,000.
“As of December 10, 2025, and considering the Stade Rochelais match schedule, Mr. Ronan O’Gara will be eligible to return to play on December 14, 2025.”
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