Nolann Le Garrec\u2019s simulation in Racing 92\u2019s defeat to Perpignan in the Top 14 has led to calls for the scrum-half to be suspended.<\/b><\/p>\n
There is a growing concern that simulation is creeping into rugby as players attempt to get favourable decisions from the referees with theatrical dives akin to those seen in football.<\/p>\n
Nolann Le Garrec\u2019s dive<\/p>\n
Le Garrec\u2019s<\/a> actions fit in that category as he flung himself to the floor during the Top 14<\/a> clash against Perpignan, holding his face in an attempt to earn a penalty for his side.<\/p>\n The incident occurred in the 70th minute of the match with Racing 92 down 28-17 and in search of a try while playing with 14 men following the red card to Vinaya Habosi.<\/p>\n After losing possession from a knock-on, France<\/a> international Le Garrec looked to run towards the breakdown but ran softly into Perpignan\u2019s replacement prop Bruce Devaux, who looked rather bemused as the scrum-half clutched his face on the floor.<\/p>\n Thankfully for Perpignan, the officials were not interested in the slightest and did not even review the incident despite Le Garrec\u2019s pleas and Racing 92 medics coming on to check on the scrum-half, who returned to his feet and played out the rest of the match.<\/p>\n Shameful dive from Nolann Le Garrec, but good to see the referee was having none of it! pic.twitter.com\/j2RvEqStJj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 20, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Play would eventually resume with a scrum to Perpignan, who would later concede a try but held onto a 28-24 lead until the final whistle, claiming their seventh win of the season.<\/p>\n Simulation creeping in? Ex-Wallaby fears for rugby after shot on Joseph Suaalii leaves experts \u2018flabbergasted\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Peter O\u2019Mahony tried to milk that\u2019 \u2013 Ireland great accused of simulation in final outing after hugely controversial call<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Social media reaction<\/p>\n The France scrum-half\u2019s action has sparked outrage and dismay on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, with rugby fans calling for sanctions and bans to be introduced for such acts of simulation.<\/p>\n \u201cGenuinely think that deserves a ban. Absolutely ridiculous,\u201d popular rugby columnist Paul Williams wrote.<\/p>\n While journalist Brendan Gallagher stated that it should be \u201csix weeks minimum for this sh***osery\u201d.<\/p>\n Bath Bytes added: \u201cBan him!!! Make an example of him with the ban! He should actually be ashamed, I\u2019ve seen better performances in a jazz handy Am-Dram panto.\u201d<\/p>\n A-P Cronje took a more serious outlook on the matter highlighting the need for officials to believe that a serious injury has occurred.<\/p>\n \u201cThis type of simulation should come with a ban. Part of the endeavour of treating head contact seriously is that if a player goes down holding their head you need believe them,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n \u201cSo when it is clearly theatrics it should be dealt with utmost severity.\u201d<\/p>\n A reply to the video also read: \u201cWow that is embarrassing! Should be a ban for that play acting to get someone yellow carded. May as well play football ffs.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE:\u00a0<\/b>Fuming John Dobson hits out at \u2018f***ing shocking\u2019 Stormers after brutal review of \u2018appalling\u2019 performance<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n