Dorian Aldegheri Receives Three-Week Suspension Following Champions Cup Dismissal

Dorian Aldegheri suspended after red card in Champions Cup quarter-final. Read about the Toulouse prop’s ban and potential return through tackle school.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 4:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Disciplinary Committee Issues Sanction Following European Quarter-Final

European Professional Club Rugby has officially suspended Toulouse prop Dorian Aldegheri for three weeks after a disciplinary review of his conduct during the Investec Champions Cup. The 32-year-old was dismissed during the second half of Sunday’s quarter-final clash with Bordeaux-Bègles for a 20-minute red card period. The incident involved a late challenge on Bordeaux center Damian Penaud, which the match officials deemed a violation of player safety protocols. On Wednesday, the governing body confirmed that the ban would run until May 11, though there are avenues for the player to reduce the duration of the sideline stint through technical intervention.

Player Accepts Culpability for Late Tackle on Damian Penaud

During the disciplinary hearing, Aldegheri admitted that his actions constituted foul play and agreed that the severity of the challenge warranted a red card. The admission of guilt and the lack of a prior poor disciplinary record typically influence the length of such sanctions within the EPCR framework. While the dismissal hindered Toulouse’s efforts on the field, the team eventually fell to Bordeaux-Bègles, ending their campaign in the premier European competition. The focus now shifts to how the prop's absence will affect the domestic ambitions of the reigning French champions.

Coaching Intervention Program Offers Potential for Reduced Sentence

A significant detail in the EPCR ruling is the inclusion of World Rugby’s "tackle school" coaching intervention program. Should Aldegheri choose to participate in this specialized technical training, his suspension could be truncated, allowing for a return to competitive play as early as April 27. This program is designed to educate players on tackle height and timing to mitigate the risk of head contact and late hits. If the prop successfully completes the requirements, he will be available for selection nearly two weeks earlier than the standard expiration date of the ban.