Montpellier lock Thibault Privat was on Wednesday banned for 30 days for striking Toulouse's Springbok prop Daan Human in a Top 14 clash last month, the national rugby league (LNR) said.

Privat, who has the right to appeal, was found guilty of punching the South African during Toulouse's 45-25 victory on December 23 and was banned from all competition until February 9.

The lock will miss Saturday's European Cup home match against Bath, an away tie against Leinster on January 21, and Stade Francais at home in the Top 14 six days later.

* Meanwhile Samoan hooker Ole Avei has extended his contract with Top 14 outfit Bordeaux-Begles by five years.

The 28-year-old Avei, who was part of the Samoa squad that played in the World Cup in New Zealand, had been out of contract in June and had attracted attention, notably from French league leaders Toulouse.

Avei becomes the seventh player to extend his stay at the newly-promoted club after New Zealander Bruce Reihana, Australian winger Blair Connor, centre Julien Rey, South African scrumhalf Heini Adams, Australian back row forward Justin Purll and lock Adam Jaulhac.

AFP