La Rochelle will be without Teddy Thomas for their Champions Cup clash with Leinster after the centre was suspended for an incident in a Top 14 game.
The 31-year-old France international was yellow-carded for a challenge on Clermont's Theo Giral in their meeting before Christmas, however, he was subsequently cited and banned for four games.
Ronan O’Gara’s side, sixth in the Top 14, will be without Thomas for Saturday’s French league game against Toulouse, and Sunday week’s Pool 2 re-match with Leo Cullen’s men, who twice defeated La Rochelle last season.
Thomas will also miss games against Benetton and 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," a statement read.
"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."
Leinster have taken nine points from 10 after wins over Bristol and Clermont, while La Rochelle top the pool on points difference after beating Bath and the Bears.
O’Gara’s men defeated Leinster in the finals in 2022 and 2023, but lost twice last season, 16-9 in La Rochelle in the pool stages, and 40-13 in Aviva Stadium in the quarter-finals.
