Six Nations tournament: the pillar of the Blues, Uini Atonio, suspended for three weeks

Europe 1 with AFP 7:57 p.m., February 15, 2023, modified at 8:02 p.m., February 15, 2023

Summoned to appear on Monday after his yellow card received in Ireland, the right pillar Uini Atonio received a six-week suspension (reduced to three week-matches) by the commission.

He will therefore miss the next two matches of the Blues in the Six Nations Tournament: February 26 against Scotland at the Stade de France then March 11 at Twickenham against England.

The right pillar of La Rochelle could however be back for the last match of the Blues, on March 18 against Wales.

The player indeed asked to follow an awareness workshop intended for players sanctioned with a red card for contact with the head of an opponent.

If he validates this internship, his sanction will be reduced from three to two weeks.

Three days to appeal

Summoned to appear on Monday by the Independent Disciplinary Committee, Atonio was found guilty of a dangerous tackle in the 26th minute on Irish hooker Rob Herring, forced to leave his teammates in concussion after this gesture.

"The player admitted to committing an act of foul play deserving a red card. After reviewing all the evidence, the committee accepted the player's admission that "his shoulder came into contact with the neck and/or the face of the Irish hooker," Tournament organizers said in a statement.

Atonio was facing a six-week suspension.

But, given the fact "that the player immediately admitted his guilt" and taking into consideration "his exemplary disciplinary record and his sincere remorse", the commission reduced it to three weeks.

The pillar of the Blues has three days to appeal this decision.

After two days, France, victorious in Italy (29-24) then defeated in Dublin (32-19), occupies fourth place in the Tournament standings with five points.