Tuicuvu double sends Toulon to Top 14 summit, Laporte makes contentious return

English Woman's Journal - Tuicuvu double sends Toulon to Top 14 summit, Laporte makes contentious return

SPORTS 25.11.2023

Tuicuvu double sends Toulon to Top 14 summit, Laporte makes contentious return / Photo: Nicolas TUCAT - AFP

Fiji winger Setariki Tuicuvu scored twice as Toulon beat Castres 41-19 on Saturday to take the lead in the French Top 14.

Change text size:

Tuicuvu, 28, was left out of his country's Rugby World Cup squad earlier this year but claimed his first tries of the season at Stade Mayol to send his club above Stade Francais.

His fellow winger Gael Drean, who was playing in the fifth tier of French rugby two years ago, also crossed on two occasions for 14-man Toulon after centre Jeremy Sinzelle was sent off early in the second half.

A much-changed Castres, runners-up in 2022, are in fourth after their third defeat in eight games this term.

A minute's silence will be held before each game at all levels of the sport in France this weekend after a 16-year-old player named Thomas was killed during a night out last week.

Later on Saturday, controversial former French rugby federation president and ex-France head coach Bernard Laporte takes charge of struggling Montpellier against Oyonnax for the first time after he was appointed director of rugby last week.

In December, former sports minister Laporte was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence for his financial dealings with Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad.

He was also banned from holding any rugby post for two years, but that is on hold pending his appeal.

Elsewhere, Stade Francais can go back top as they head to surprise packages Pau, who are also eyeing first place, and France captain Antoine Dupont starts as champions Toulouse host Clermont.

On Sunday, South Africa's two-time World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi is expected to make his Racing 92 debut against Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle.

T.Burns--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Tuicuvu double sends Toulon to Top 14 summit, Laporte makes contentious return