Sayonara Vahaamahina

Interesting to see that French lock, Sebastien Vahaamahina – following the most idiotic red card in Rugby World Cup history – has decided to retire from international rugby.

Vahaamahina, who thought it might a splendid idea – with France ahead and in control in the second half against Wales in Sunday’s quarter final and with a driving maul edging forward in the opposition’s 22 – to swing an elbow viciously into the face of Welshman Aaron Wainwright, has obviously taken the decision to jump before being pushed.

I said at the time of the incident that Vahaamahina should never play for France again and it looks as if that may well happen.

That said, I must congratulate Vahaamahina in being the first from this year’s Rugby World Cup to make it into the Total Flanker Hall of Wazzocks.

Vahaamahina was almost joined, however, by match referee Jaco Peyper who, having sent the Frenchman off and then awarded a decidedly dodgy try to decide the game in Wales’ favour, posed for this picture – mocking Vahaamahina’s actions – with Welsh fans afterwards.

One of those that may have seemed funny at the time but on reflection…

Total Flanker – the older I get, the better I was