Heineken Rugby Cup: Castres forward wins appeal

Castres have received a huge boost after their Ivory Coast forward Ismaela Lassissi won his appeal against a 12-month ban imposed by tournament disciplinary chiefs following a biting allegation.

Lassissi, whose appeal was heard last night, is now free to face Montferrand.

He had been accused by Munster of biting their Irish international prop Peter Clohessy’s arm during a group game between the teams on January 12.

Scotland ace Gregor Townsend will spearhead Castres’ attempt to reach their first Heineken Cup semi-final in an all-French affair against Montferrand tomorrow.

Castres wing Ugo Mola, the competition’s top try-scorer this season, has been ruled though because of a hip injury.

Castres beat Montferrand 39-30 in the French Championship earlier this term, and Townsend is seeking a repeat performance before linking up with the Scotland squad for next Saturday’s Lloyds TSB Six Nations opener against England at Murrayfield.

‘‘It has been a funny old season for us,’’ Townsend said.

‘‘Our coach was sacked halfway through it, but then winning at Harlequins in the Heineken Cup was a watershed for us.

‘‘We showed how we could play, and we have maintained that level in the tournament since then.

‘‘We will be totally aware of Montferrand’s strengths. They are the best counter-attacking team in Europe, a dangerous side that always tries to play positive rugby.’’