More fright than damage for USAP. Shown a red card during Italy v Australia (57-10), in round three of the Nations Championship, Marco Riccioni had lost his temper from the bench and struck Miles Amatosero in the face. The 28-year-old Italy tighthead was handed a two-match ban.

Good news for Perpignan: according to L’Indépendant, he will serve his suspension in the two warm-up matches against Biarritz (14 August) and Bath (27 August). He will therefore be available for the season’s first away trip, to Stade Français on 5 September. The same applies to his team-mate Sama Malolo, also banned but who will have served it before the season starts.