France player cited over Murrayfield incident as former ref has his say

Jégou will attend an independent disciplinary hearing on Tuesday and faces a lengthy ban if he is found guilty of gouging.

The incident was apparently missed by match referee Angus Gardner, nor was it highlighted by the TMO. However, it was picked up in the BBC’s post-match coverage, with former referee Nigel Owens expressing his disappointment that it wasn’t dealt with during the game.

“It definitely should have been looked at,” said Owens, who was working as an analyst for the BBC. “It doesn’t look good to be honest. Looking at that footage, that player is going to be in a bit of trouble.

“There are processes in place now to deal with that but it should have been looked at in the game. It was quite clear what the actions were.”

Jégou’s case will be heard via video conference before an independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Simon Thomas (chair), Christopher Morgan and John Langford. It is due to begin at 9.30am on Tuesday.

A statement from the Six Nations said: “France (No. 7), Oscar Jégou, will attend an independent disciplinary hearing after he was cited for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.12 (A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm, shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking) in the Men’s Six Nations Championship match between Scotland and France on Saturday 7th March 2026.”

Eben Etzebeth, the South Africa lock, received a 12-week ban last December after being found guilty of an intentional eye-gouge on Wales flanker Alex Mann during the Springboks’ 73-0 win in Cardiff.

Scotland won the match 50-40 to go joint top of the Six Nations table alongside France, with both sides on 16 points ahead of the final round of fixtures this Saturday. Scotland will face Ireland in Dublin while France, who have a better points difference than the Scots, host England in Paris.

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