IRB to meet French authorities over Tincu case

THE IRB will meet French authorities in an attempt to firm up laws that are allowing Marius Tincu to play in the Top 14 even though the Perpignan hooker is serving an 18-week worldwide suspension.

Tincu was handed the lengthy punishment, banning him from all competitions until March 9, after being found guilty of eye-gouging during Perpignan’s Heineken Cup loss to the Ospreys on October 18.

However, Tincu has been playing for Perpignan since just before Christmas, the club having been given the go-ahead to field him after the French league (LNR) received notification from the country’s Olympic committee (CNOSF) that the 30-year-old was authorised to take part.