Florian Verhaeghe urges stricter penalties for simulation in France's Top 14 rugby

Montpellier lock Florian Verhaeghe, back in the French national team after a three‑year hiatus, reflected on his recent four‑week suspension for a red card against Racing 92. While accepting the ruling on his dangerous tackle, he criticised the lack of sanctions for opposing players who simulate fouls.

Verhaeghe argued that the Top 14’s disciplinary code already mandates a yellow card for simulation and called on referees to apply it consistently, warning that unchecked diving could “gangrene” the championship. He urged the league’s officials to use existing tools to curb the practice, likening the situation to that in other sports where simulation is heavily policed.