La Rochelle coach Ronan O'Gara banned for Champions Cup opener against Leinster

The The French National Rugby League has confirmed a one-week suspension for La Rochelle rugby director of rugby Ronan O’Gara following an ill-discipline.

The 46-year-old was cited following La Rochelle's 32-10 defeat to Racing 92 in a French Top 14 clash at the La Defense Arena in Paris over the weekend during which the coaches expressed anger over refereeing decisions during the match especially when winger Juan Imhoff appeared to play the ball illegally, preventing Judicael Cancoriet from scoring.

This is the fifth time O'Gara has been banned since he took over the club's in charge in 2021 with the amount of suspension accounting to 21 weeks.

He will now watch La Rochelle's Champions Cup game against Leinster on Sunday from the stands but will not be allowed in the tunnel or team's changing room.

Earlier, La Rochelle wing Teddy Thomas has been handed a five game suspension for a dangerous tackle.

La Rochelle are positioned ninth in the Top 14 table with four wins from nine matches.