La Rochelle lock Jone Qovu Nailiko banned for two weeks

La Rochelle lock Jone Qovu Nailiko has been handed a two-week ban following his offence in the recently concluded European Rugby Challenge Cup semi-final against Gloucester Rugby at Stade Marcel Deflandre.

The incident happened during the 45th minute of the game when Nailiko struck hard on Gloucester Rugby hooker Richard Hibbard, who ended up on the ground.

Referee Andrew Brace accused Hibbard of throwing himself on the ground but citing commissioner Alberto Recaldini felt otherwise and raised a complaint to tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby.

Nailiko appeared before a three-man disciplinary panel in Paris on Wednesday where he was found guilty of the charges.

"The committee upheld the citing complaint and determined that the offence had warranted a red card.

"The committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions, and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point."