Colombe, who was appealing against the length of his suspension, had been cited for carrying out a dangerous clear-out at a ruck on the Gloucester Rugby back row, Ruan Ackermann, in the 68th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.11.

Law 9.11 A player must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.11 relating to reckless or dangerous play, carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks 

An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Sir James Dingemans (England), Chair, Roddy Dunlop KC (Scotland) and Leon Lloyd (England), considered the appeal and heard submissions from Colombe, from his legal representative, Neil Robertson, from the Stade Rochelais Sporting Director, Robert Mohr, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan. The Stade Rochelais’ legal representative, Yves-Marie Fève, was also present during the hearing.

The committee concluded that the original decision granted Colombe insufficient mitigation given that he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play. It was therefore decided to reduce the suspension by one week – from four weeks to three weeks.

Colombe is now free to play on Monday 24 April.

The Stade Rochelais prop, Georges-Henri Colombe, has had his four-week suspension arising from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 match against Gloucester Rugby reduced by one week following an independent Appeal Hearing yesterday (Wednesday 19 April).