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Investec Champions CupToulon

Toulon owner in trouble over controversial comments

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal. Photo / Getty Images.

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has been charged with misconduct over bizarre comments made in the wake of Mathieu Bastareaud’s punishment for allegedly using homophobic language.

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France international Bastareaud was given a three-week ban after he was alleged to have directed a homophobic slur towards Benetton Treviso lock Sebastian Negri.

Between Bastareaud’s charge and punishment, Boudjellal gave an interview in which he expressed concern about the “Mormon side of the EPCR [European Professional Club Rugby] with the Welsh and Irish”.

Boudjellal suggested that Bastareaud would be punished by people lacking in moral standards, prompting an investigation by the EPCR.

A statement confirmed a date for Boudjellal’s hearing would be set, and read: “Mr Boudjellal was reported to have made comments to a media organisation which may have constituted breaches of the Disciplinary Rules and the Media Rules of the 2017/18 EPCR Participation Agreement.”

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Comments on RugbyPass

S
SadersMan 5 minutes ago
All Blacks survive physical Italy scare after captain carded

"Survive"? "Scare?" A bit dramatic. ABs always going to win, just a matter of by how much.


The Azurri were up for it though. As expected. You can bet they were planning for this specific test for months. Let's not forget they were pipped by ENG, drew with FRA, & beat both SCO & WAL in the Six Nations in Feb/Mar this year.


A mess of a match, good win, considering.

1 Go to comments
S
SadersMan 19 minutes ago
‘Right a few wrongs’: Ex-Wales flyer’s message of intent with Crusaders

After you. And yes, that's exactly what Penney should do. Stat!! Unfortunately he has one year left on his contract.


Penney's Super Rugby win record was a low 23% before we signed him on. At the top was Razor at 84%. And true to form, Penney took us from a 7-peat to not even making the play-offs in ONE season. No excuses. LOSER. Thank God his contract is up next year. And hopefully Rangi might wanna throw his hat in for the job.


In the meantime, hopefully we can crack the top 6 this year in spite of Penney!??!

6 Go to comments
J
JW 24 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

"exceptional as usual" haha I'll take that to mean he kicked how he 'usually' kicked?


Why was Dmac rated a 6, did he not actually do any better or did he come on at fb or something?

5 Go to comments
K
Kia koe 28 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Italians defended well. Luckily the scrums went well for the ABs.

5 Go to comments
J
JW 35 minutes ago
Five changes for the All Blacks, including the return of Sam Cane

You were 'valuing' the players by you saying "they are not greats" though, I was pointing out another reason why they are greats, inside the team I mean (which is more important to selections on the pitch stuff).


Someone like TJ would be bitterly disappointed he didn't play on this end of year tour. He is still good enough to come on in that France game and ensure the team get the victory (with regards to how well Ratima had been playing). At the very least this is a 'sorry you didn't get that chance' offering, he's not here to get token farewell games, he will be playing to try and prove that he should have been on the pitch last week.


The other decision to play your best over the future is really personal though so can agree with your reasoning. Just sharing a slightly different perspective. I'll have to check the ratings and see how they went.

38 Go to comments
J
Jen 36 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Crikey that game was a mess.

5 Go to comments
J
JW 49 minutes ago
Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

Yep even if you're improving on already very good international players every little bit helps if you're at the top of this log jam of 'top 3' sides, if they are elite.

80 Go to comments
C
Cantab 52 minutes ago
Argentina player ratings vs France | Autumn Nations Series

Indeed they were. When they were good they looked like potential world beaters but too many mistakes outweighed the occasional excellent moments. The French were not at the level they were against the ABs

2 Go to comments
K
Kia koe 1 hour ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Reiko... Does one key handling error per game. He should go wing

..

5 Go to comments
J
JWH 1 hour ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Ok, BB did NOT deserve a 9.5. I found his performance to be extremely lacklustre, especially considering the platform the forwards were giving him. His kicking was exceptional as usual, but his running rugby has been poor compared to DMac. Would've preferred to see a bit of DMac against Italy here.


Will Jordan only a 7??? He had a wonderful performance.

5 Go to comments
J
JWH 1 hour ago
Lamb to the slaughter? Italy aim to 'get stuck into' All Blacks

Sorry I am really confused by your comment, idk if I am losing it or not. Can you please re-explain yourself?

5 Go to comments
J
JWH 1 hour ago
‘Right a few wrongs’: Ex-Wales flyer’s message of intent with Crusaders

The Crusaders just had a mass exodus of veterans. They need to replace that lost experience, at least until the younguns get up to scratch. Nothing to do with the player pipeline, just NZR letting excellent talent and experience ship off overseas.

6 Go to comments
G
GP 1 hour ago
‘Right a few wrongs’: Ex-Wales flyer’s message of intent with Crusaders

Well said Johnny McNicoll.It was fantastic having him back this year. His 2 try performance in the win over the Chiefs was a special way to return to his old home ground. I believe the Crusaders will turn things around. Too many good people in and around this team to do otherwise. They will prove those wallowing in negativity wrong.

6 Go to comments
G
GP 1 hour ago
‘Right a few wrongs’: Ex-Wales flyer’s message of intent with Crusaders

Close the door on your way out. Go find another team.

6 Go to comments
K
Kia koe 1 hour ago
Italy vs New Zealand | Live & Latest Rugby Union Scores & Results | RugbyPass

If Italy got the scrums right!!!

7 Go to comments
K
Kia koe 1 hour ago
Italy vs New Zealand | Live & Latest Rugby Union Scores & Results | RugbyPass

What defence from Italy.. looking good for next year six nations

7 Go to comments
M
MM 1 hour ago
'I have full belief that if we play well we can beat South Africa'

It was like watching men play schoolboys

6 Go to comments
N
Ninjin 1 hour ago
'I have full belief that if we play well we can beat South Africa'

Ay least yes but the Springboks dont really destroy teams on the scoreboard.

6 Go to comments
M
MM 1 hour ago
'I have full belief that if we play well we can beat South Africa'

Wales were lucky the Boks should put 60 points past them

6 Go to comments
T
The One 2 hours ago
South Africa player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series

I'd rate the brothers Hendricks a point or two lower. Jaden has really not delivered on his early promise and Jordan's kicking at posts was quite erratic. Amongst other things.


I was really surprised that DuhDuh was replaced and not Jordan. DuhDuh had a great game and just underlined his class in a backline that was not firing on all cylinders.


Damian Willemse was missed. Hopefully he'll be back to full fitness and have an injury free 2025 (and '26 and '27 and so on until he decides to retire to spend time with his grandchildren).


RG was great. What an athlete.


Very happy that Hanekom made his debut at last. He gave a good account of himself and will hopefully grow into his role on the international stage.


All things considered, this was another frustrating Bok performance. Even though it was a comfortable win, it wasn't a commanding win. This Welsh team should've been put away by a far larger margin.


But I have faith in Dr Rassie. He knows more than I do. Bring on 2027 😁

2 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ 'Steve Borthwick hung his troops out to dry - he should take some blame' 'Steve Borthwick hung his troops out to dry - he should take some blame'
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