Kaino handed five-week ban for striking Roberts

Toulouse number eight Jerome Kaino was handed a five-week ban for his hit on Bath centre Jamie Roberts in the European Champions Cup.

Kaino struck Roberts with his shoulder in the first half of Toulouse’s win at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.

The 81-time All Black was cited and suspended for five weeks after an independent disciplinary hearing in Paris on Wednesday.

He pleaded not guilty but “the committee upheld the citing complaint as it determined that Kaino had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card”.

The committee felt a six-week ban was appropriate, but Kaino’s good conduct at the hearing saw it reduced to five.

Kaino, who can appeal, is free to return on December 3.

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