France rugby star sets unwanted record ‘unlikely to ever be matched’ as Six Nations red card decision is made

FRENCH rugby star Paul Willemse has set an unlikely record unlikely to ever be repeated in rugby again.

The lock received a red card in the 31st minute for a high tackle on Caelan Doris following a bunker review.

PA

Willemse saw red for a high tackle on Caelan Doris[/caption]

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The lock walked following a bunker review[/caption]

PA

Willemse is set to miss three weeks[/caption]

It followed on from an earlier yellow card for a high hit on Andrew Porter.

He will now miss the next two games of the Six Nations.

But the bans haven’t stopped there.

His two yellow cards were both upgraded to red card offences by a panel review, meaning he was essentially handed a three-week band and four-week ban at the same time.

The panel have decided however that the bans should not run consecutively, meaning he will miss four weeks in total.

The ban could be reduced, however, if Willemse completes a “tackle school” course.

Fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) have pointed out that his upgraded cards mean he essentially received five cards in one game.

The lock received two yellows and a red on the pitch, and two reds courtesy of the panel’s intervention.

His initial yellow was overturnedSportsfile

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The ban will cover both international and club matches – which will help Willemse miss fewer games for Les Bleus.

Montpellier’s trip to Racing 92 during the Six Nations’ fallow week leaves him free to play Wales on 10 March.

He’ll be suspended for the games against Scotland and Italy.