La Rochelle's Teddy Thomas to miss Leinster clash due to four match suspension
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Teddy Thomas will miss La Rochelle's Champions Cup clash with Leinster due to a suspension for an incident in a Top 14 game.
Thomas received a yellow card for a challenge on Clermont's Theo Giral in their clash before Christmas which was subsequently cited and the 31-year-old received a four match ban.
Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle side will be without Thomas for Saturday's Top 14 clash against Toulouse, their clash with Leinster Sunday week where they will be hoping to overturn their last two defeats to Leo Cullen's side. He will also miss the Champions Cup game against Benetton and Top 14 clash against Toulon.
"Teddy Thomas was found responsible for dangerous play and more particularly for charging or bringing down an opponent carrying the ball without attempting to grab that player," said the statement.
"A suspension of six weeks was the entry point.
"After taking into account the aggravating circumstance (disciplinary record), the sanction was increased by one week.
"After taking into account mitigating circumstances (recognition of the facts, conduct before and during the hearing, expression of remorse), the sanction was reduced by three weeks.
"Consequently, Thomas is suspended for four weeks. As of 2 January, and taking into account the schedule of Stade Rochelais matches, Thomas will be free to play from 27 January."
La Rochelle top the table on points difference for Pool Two after defeating Bath and Bristol Bears with Leinster in second place.
La Rochelle defeated Leinster in the 2022 and 2023 Champions Cup finals but last season Leinster defeated O'Gara's side twice in the pool stages and the quarter-finals.