US Carcassonne Captain Suspended: Key Player Out for Crucial Pro D2 Matches

US Carcassonne will be without captain Jordan Puletua for crucial upcoming Pro D2 matches following a disciplinary hearing, the club confirmed Thursday. Puletua was suspended for four weeks, initially six, after being sent off in the 13th minute of a 54-17 defeat to Agen on March 6, 2026, for a dangerous tackle.

The National Rugby League’s disciplinary committee deemed the tackle “dangerous,” specifically citing an infraction of rules concerning tackling an opponent above the shoulder line. While the initial suspension was set at six weeks, it was increased to seven due to Puletua’s prior disciplinary record, which includes a total of six previous red cards in his career. However, the committee reduced the sanction to four weeks, acknowledging Puletua’s remorse, admission of guilt and conduct during the hearing.

The suspension means Puletua will miss US Carcassonne’s vital home match against Mont-de-Marsan on Friday, March 27th, as well as the subsequent fixture against Grenoble on April 10th. He will also be unavailable for away trips to Soyaux Angoulême on April 3rd and Colomiers on April 17th. Puletua is expected to return to the squad for the derby match against Béziers at Domec on April 24th.

The timing of the suspension is particularly challenging for Carcassonne, which is currently in a break in the Pro D2 season, resuming competition next week. The club has been using the downtime for intensive training sessions focused on team cohesion and strategic objectives. The match against Mont-de-Marsan is considered decisive for the club’s hopes of remaining in Pro D2.

Despite Puletua’s absence, US Carcassonne coach Bernard Goutta can reportedly count on strong performances from Mathys Barka and Lukas Doyhenard, along with other players within the squad.

US Carcassonne last faced Mont-de-Marsan on September 26, 2025, winning 34-19, marking their first victory at the Stade Guy et André Boniface.