The latest reports from France regarding the future of Giovanni Habel-Küffner, is that the flanker will be staying at Stade Francais, despite reportedly punching a member of Pau’s coaching staff. The back-row was speculated to soon become a free agent, yet the Parisian club have instead confirmed the end date to the 28-year-old’s ongoing suspension.
A report from French outlet Midi Olympique, states that Habel-Kuffner’s suspension will end on December 17th. The back-row has been vacated from the club since the incident, which took place following Stade Francais’ defeat to Pau on November 25th. Pau recorded an emphatic 30-6 win over the Parisians, yet the physicality was not constrained to the Estadio du Hameau.
Stade Francais explained their decision in a press release. “Following the inappropriate and violent behavior of its player Giovanni Habel-Küffner during the evening following the Top 14 match between the Section Paloise and Stade français Paris, and after having received the latter in order to hear his explanations, the club management first decided on a sporting sanction.”
The press release went on to disclose that the former Pau player has been issued with a “financial sanction”, and that he will miss Stade Francais two upcoming Champions Cup matches against the Premiership duo of Sale Sharks (Sunday December 10th) and Leicester Tigers (Sunday December 17th).