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French star Jaminet returns after ban for 'stupid' racism / Photo: © AFP
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French star Jaminet returns after ban for 'stupid' racism
French international full-back Melvyn Jaminet on Saturday returned to rugby for the first time since being banned for a racism scandal on France's troubled tour of Argentina.
The 25-year-old Jaminet, who has 20 international caps, was suspended by the French Rugby Federation last July for posting a video containing racist remarks on social media.
On Saturday, he came off the bench in the 61st minute of Toulon's 24-6 win over Stade Francais in the Top 14.
His entrance was greeted by a standing ovation from his home Stade Mayol crowd.
It was his first game since France's Test win against the Pumas in Mendoza on July 6 and first in the Top 14 since last June.
"I thank the fans for supporting Melvyn today," said Toulon coach Pierre Mignoni after a win secured by two tries from Fijian centre Jiuta Wainiqolo.
"He's a 25-year-old who did something stupid and that's not acceptable. He was sanctioned and paid his debt and he accepted his sanctions.
"When you watch others for eight months, it's hard, and rightly so. Now it's behind him. I would like us to leave him alone for a bit. He just wants to be a rugby player again."
Z.Phillips--SFF
