The arrival of Sevu Reece next season put a smile on Catalan supporters’ faces. Because in the morning, they learned that centre Duncan Paia’aua had been suspended for four weeks by the EPCR disciplinary panel.

Guilty of a dangerous tackle against the Newport Dragons, the Samoan had been sent off. Six weeks had initially been proposed but his apologies and his acceptance of the offence brought the sanction down.

Having arrived from Toulon, Paia’aua looked, on paper, an interesting signing. Injured and then suspended, he has so far featured in only five matches.