Sent off in the meeting between Racing 92 and Stade Toulousain in late November, hooker Janick Tarrit has been handed a five-week ban for an act deemed “brutal” by the LNR disciplinary panel. The incident, which happened just before the break with Racing struggling at Ernest-Wallon, saw Tarrit drive a headbutt into the chest of Toulouse lock Efrain Elias, an act that immediately earned the Parisian a red card.

The sanction, initially set at ten weeks, was halved after Tarrit acknowledged his responsibility, expressed regret and showed good conduct before and during the disciplinary hearing. He will therefore not be able to play again until early January 2026.

On the pitch, the hooker’s dismissal weighed on the outcome of the match. Down to thirteen after that episode, the Ciel et Blanc gave ground to Toulouse, who took advantage to open up a gap before half-time before running away with it in the second act. The incident drew strong reactions, including within Racing’s own set-up, with some calling Tarrit’s behaviour incomprehensible.

In a statement, the LNR specified that the sanction would take account of “mitigating circumstances”, but also restated the importance of safety and respect for the laws in professional rugby.