Toulouse will be without former All Black backrow Jerome Kaino and 30-year-old loosehead prop Lucas Pointud for Sunday's Heineken Champions Cup pool match against Leinster at the Stade Earnest Wallon (3.15 Irish time).
Both players received suspensions following independent disciplinary hearings in Paris arising from incidents in the victory over Bath last weekend.
Kaino, was cited for striking Bath centre Jamie Roberts with his shoulder in the 39th minute of that match. He was shown a yellow card by referee, Andrew Brace (Ireland), following the incident and although he pleaded not guilty to the offence, the citing was upheld, the offence deemed 'mid-range' and a five week ban (December 3rd) was handed down.
Pointud was alleged to have struck Nathan Catt with his head and despite it being established he had stuck the Bath prop with a shoulder, it was deemed a red card offence and a four week suspension (November 26th) was imposed.
The French player was replaced by 22 year-old Clement Castets after 55 minutes of the game, the latter returning to the pitch just nine months after being diagnosed with a cavernoma (abnormal blood vessels) in the brain, an ailment that required surgery.
Both players have the right to appeal but must submit it within three working days. Kaino’s (35) absence is a huge blow to Toulouse, his corrosive tackling and carrying and leadership qualities that the home side will require on Sunday.
