Mathieu Bastareaud faces five-week ban

Toulon will miss the services of skipper Mathieu Bastareaud after he was handed a five-week ban following the Top 14 game against Castres earlier this month.

The 30-year-old was sent-off for striking Castres lock Christophe Samson's head with his forearm in the game that was won by Toulon with a thrilling 28-27 margin.

Bastareaud was initially handed a six-week ban that was increased by one following his poor disciplinary record but his guilty plea and conduct during the hearing saw the suspension reduced by two weeks.

Earlier, the France international was banned for three-weeks in January for a direct homophobic abuse on Italy forward Sebastian Negri.

Toulon are currently positioned 12th in the ongoing season of Top 14 with a solitary win from four games and will face Agen next on 22nd September.