Ronan O'Gara handed two-match ban before Stormers clash

Stade Rochelais head coach Ronan O’Gara has been suspended for two matches following his red card in the Top 14 defeat to Pau.

The sanction comes just days before his side face the Stormers in a Champions Cup Round Two fixture in Gqeberha.

O’Gara was dismissed during the 53–33 loss after repeatedly arguing with referee Jérémy Rozier. The dispute stemmed from the referee’s decision to send off flyhalf Antoine Hastoy in the opening minute for a dangerous aerial challenge.

A disciplinary panel later ruled that O’Gara’s conduct constituted “action against a match official” and “disrespecting the authority of a match official.”

The committee reviewed the case and, after considering aggravating and mitigating factors, confirmed a two-week ban along with a €3,000 fine. O’Gara will be eligible to return on 14 December 2025.

O’Gara had already watched La Rochelle’s opening Champions Cup win over Leicester Tigers from the stands while awaiting the verdict. The suspension means he will also sit out the Stormers match, adding to the challenge of facing an unbeaten South African side.

Hastoy, the player at the centre of the incident, has been banned for three matches for dangerous play. His absence further complicates La Rochelle’s preparations as they look to build early momentum in Europe.