Toulouse Release Statement Following ‘Questionable’ Jerome Kaino Ban

“Feelings and not proven facts.”

French giants Toulouse have released a statement following EPCR’s controversial decision to hand Jerome Kaino a five-week ban for a tackle on Bath centre Jamie Roberts last weekend.

Kaino was shown a yellow card for a hit on the Wales international that has divided opinion across the rugby world, with many believing the All Black shouldn’t have even been penalised in the first place.

An EPCR statement on Wednesday said that an independent disciplinary committee had decided that “on the basis that the incident involved contact to the head,” they were obliged to ban Kaino under the mid-range sanctions, meaning a six-week starting point, with a week shaved off for good behaviour.

But Toulouse are far from happy and have declared their intention to appeal the decision.

“Stade Toulousain took note of the decision of the EPCR’s independent Disciplinary Committee, which suspended Jerome Kaino for five games following the Champions Cup match against Bath on 13 October,” a Toulouse statement read

Stade Toulousain vehemently contests this decision, which is not based on any clear and obvious evidence of an act of foul play in connection with World Rugby’s Law 9.12.

“Stade Toulousain will appeal this sanction, as authorized by the EPCR’s disciplinary rules, considering that the judgment is about feelings and not about proven facts.

“Stade Toulousain is also considering the decision rendered by the EPCR’s independent Disciplinary Committee regarding its player Lucas Pointud, as the grounds of accusation seem questionable.”

As things currently stand – there has been no confirmation from EPCR that a hearing will take place today or tomorrow, meaning Kaino will miss Sunday’s clash with Leinster.