Toulon Rugby Club have been forced to accept a substantial fine as a result of Cheslin Kolbe's 2021 transfer from Toulouse, despite the player having now moved onto new pastures. It was determined that Toulon were in violation of salary cap rules as a result of the signing, and have now been issued with a €70,000 fine over two years later.
Toulouse were also slapped with a suspended €50,000 fine for “failure to comply with the general obligation of transparency and cooperation”, which they immediately accepted. Toulon, on the other hand, delayed their response due to their disagreement with "the method of calculating the salary cap" before eventually accepting the higher fine.
The club have explained their decision in a statement on their website: "The Toulon Rugby Club have taken note of the decision rendered by the specialised section of the disciplinary and regulations committee of the LNR.
"This commission had to judge whether RCT was guilty of exceeding the salary cap ceiling in the 2021/2022 season as calculated by the salary cap manager for the transfer of Cheslin Kolbe and other points.
"The method of calculating the salary cap was strongly contested by the RCT, both during two mediation sessions organised by the league and before the specialised commission.
"The latter accepted the club’s arguments and rejected those of the salary cap manager and the league, which were essentially based on an interpretation of the rules. The RCT is therefore not to be blamed for exceeding the salary cap.
"The RCT has been restored to its rights and welcomes this decision. However, the special commission decided to sanction the RCT with a fine of €70,000 for ‘failure to comply with the obligation of transparency and cooperation’ with the salary cap manager.
"The RCT have always cooperated with the latter and the LNR and denies any lack of transparency. However, for the sake of appeasement, the RCT waives its right to appeal to the FFR appeal committee and will pay the fine."
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