Castres lock Hans N'kinsi handed six-week ban

Castres Olympique lock Hans N'kinsi has been handed a six-week ban following an incident in the recently concluded European Rugby Challenge Cup game against Ospreys.

The incident happened in the 34th minute of the game when the 28-year-old stamped the hand of Ospreys scrum-half Shaun Venter following which he was cited.

N'kinsi appeared before an EPCR disciplinary committee and his offence attracted a mid-range sanction and was handed a six-week ban. Even though, N'kinsi pleaded not guilty to the charges, the panel deemed the offence was intentional and upheld the charges.

There was no mitigating factors taken into account considering player's plea, poor disciplinary record and his lack of remorse and as result he will now be out of action until 21st January.

Meanwhile, Stade Francais flanker Charlie Rorke was handed two week-ban following his red-card incident in the 43rd minute during the game against Benetton.

He was sent-off by referee Ben Blain for allegedly grabbing the testicles of Benetton’s Leonardo Sarto, who also banned for one-week for a foul play.