Share

Six Nations star Thomas loses ethics bonus

Paris - Six Nations top try-scorer Teddy Thomas has paid for his role in France's infamous night out in Edinburgh by losing the ethics bonus given by his club Racing 92. 

Wing Thomas was one of eight France players suspended for one game by the national federation over an alcohol-fuelled late night in Edinburgh following their Six Nations defeat to Scotland. 

"The French Rugby Federation has already penalised Teddy Thomas in a sporting sense by excluding him from the group to play Italy (on February 23)," said Top 14 giants Racing in a statement on Friday. 

"Racing 92 have opted for a financial penalty for the player by rescinding his ethics bonus for February. 

"Racing 92 have also clearly made Teddy Thomas aware that his inappropriate behaviour after France's defeat to Scotland on Sunday February 11 is not worthy of the professional he is and will therefore not be tolerated, either by the club or the national team." 

The absence of a sporting penalty, though, means Racing may pick Thomas for their crunch Top 14 clash with La Rochelle on Sunday. 

The two sides are level on points in second and third just a point behind leaders Montpellier, meaning either could finish the weekend at the league summit. 

Thomas has been the main positive in an otherwise miserable start to the Six Nations for France. 

He has scored three brilliant individual tries but France have nonetheless lost their two matches against Ireland and Scotland. 

Of the eight players kicked out by France, Clermont head coach Franck Azema has already said that centre Remi Lamerat and lock Arthur Iturria will not play for their club this weekend, while Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal said likewise about flyhalf Anthony Belleau. 

However, Montpellier have picked No 8 Louis Picamoles on the replacements bench for their trip to rock-bottom Oyonnax on Saturday. 

Montpellier's New Zealander coach Vern Cotter suggested his captain may have been unfairly implicated in the events of Sunday night. 

"I've spoken to Louis. Of course he's been affected by the (Scotland) match and what happened afterwards," Cotter said on the club's website. 

"But not everything is very clear in this story. There have been misunderstandings, mix-ups over players... we're not exactly sure. 

"We have faith in our captain. I know the Scottish police and I also trust them," added the former Scotland coach.

 

France's return to Paris on Monday was delayed after Scottish police stopped their plane on the tarmac and removed six players for questioning as potential witnesses to an alleged sexual assault following media reports of a late-night brawl.

 

However, Police Scotland later said that "inquiries have established that no crime has been committed".

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE