**Bordeaux’s Jefferson Poirot Faces Disciplinary Action After Post-Match Altercation With Henry Pollock**
French rugby international Jefferson Poirot is scheduled to attend a disciplinary hearing later this week, after being cited for allegedly grasping the throat of Northampton’s talented back-row player, Henry Pollock, in the immediate aftermath of the Champions Cup final at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
The contentious incident unfolded just moments following Bordeaux-Begles’ 28-20 triumph over Northampton Saints—a fiercely contested match that secured the French club’s place in European rugby history. However, celebrations were swiftly overshadowed by an on-field confrontation which has since dominated discussions, both among fans and within the clubs themselves.
Tournament organisers, the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), confirmed that a formal complaint had been lodged by match citing commissioner Tim Lowry. The complaint centres on the conduct of Poirot, Bordeaux’s experienced prop, who is accused of breaching World Rugby’s Law 9.27 by allegedly seizing Pollock by the throat in a manner deemed dangerous, with the potential to inflict serious harm.
In a statement issued on Monday, the EPCR clarified the nature of the alleged offence: “Poirot is alleged to have committed an act contrary to good sportsmanship towards the Northampton Saints number 8, Henry Pollock, shortly after the final whistle.” Poirot is set to attend his disciplinary hearing via video link on Thursday, where the details of the incident are expected to be thoroughly examined.
Reactions from the English side were swift and sharp. Phil Dowson, director of rugby at Northampton Saints, described the altercation as “out of order” and “uncalled for”, further suggesting that elements of foul play had marred what he believed should have been a celebration of elite rugby. England fly-half Fin Smith shared his surprise at the situation, commenting, “They were after him [Pollock]. I don’t think they liked him. I’m surprised—if you’ve just won a European Cup, the first thing you want to do is start a fight with a 20-year-old. I felt that was interesting.”
The post-match tensions appear to have been exacerbated by comments made by Pollock before the final. According to Bordeaux fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, Pollock’s remarks regarding Bordeaux—suggesting they were a club motivated primarily by money—had not sat well within the French camp. Speaking to BBC Sport, Jalibert said, “He doesn’t know our club … he must respect all clubs.” The sense of affront was further fuelled by reports that Saints players had referred to Bordeaux as “mercenaries”.
In the hours following the final, Bordeaux players continued to address the perceived slight. On the return flight to France, Pollock’s celebrations became the subject of mockery, with Jalibert and wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey imitating his gestures—mirroring antics seen earlier in the stadium’s changing rooms. The following day, at the team’s victory parade in Bordeaux, players brandished signs referencing the young English back-rower, a testament to the simmering animosity between the two sides.
While the focus remains on Poirot’s upcoming hearing, another citation from the European finals weekend has emerged. Bath and England flanker, Sam Underhill, is also set to appear before officials after a high tackle on Lyon full-back Davit Niniashvili during Friday’s Challenge Cup final. Although initially sanctioned with a yellow card by referee Hollie Davidson, Underhill now faces further scrutiny and potential suspension, which could jeopardise his participation in Bath’s Gallagher Premiership play-off campaign.
These disciplinary proceedings not only highlight the intense rivalries and passions inflamed by top-flight rugby but also raise questions about player conduct in high-pressure situations. As both Poirot and Underhill await their hearings, their respective clubs and supporters remain in suspense, with the outcomes potentially impacting crucial fixtures in the coming weeks.
The broader rugby community will no doubt monitor the EPCR’s handling of these cases, amid growing calls for consistent and robust disciplinary measures to maintain the integrity of the sport. For now, what should have been remembered solely as a celebration of Bordeaux’s first European Cup victory, has instead become a focal point for debate regarding sportsmanship and respect on the field.