World Rugby refers Bernard Laporte situation to independent ethics officer

World Rugby has referred Bernard Laporte's decision to suspend himself from duty to its independent ethics officer for review after the governing body’s vice-chairman was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence on corruption charges.

Laporte, who was also the president of French rugby, has also been banned from holding any post in rugby union for two years, although that is currently suspended, pending an appeal.

"World Rugby notes the decision by World Rugby vice-chairman Bernard Laporte to self-suspend from all positions held within its governance structures with immediate effect following his conviction by the French court in relation to domestic matters, and pending his appeal," a statement read.

"While acknowledging Laporte’s self-suspension and right of appeal, given the serious nature of the verdict World Rugby’s executive committee has referred the matter to its independent ethics officer for review in accordance with its integrity code. World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the independent process."

The Paris Criminal Court also fined Laporte €75,000 for passive corruption, influence peddling, illegal taking of interests, concealment of misuse of corporate assets and abuse of corporate assets.

It involved Laporte’s relationship with Mohed Altrad, a billionaire businessman who owns French champions Montpellier, who was also found guilty for influence peddling and illegally acquiring assets, in relation to his company's sponsorship of the France rugby team.

Elsewhere New Zealand Rugby say they will hold meetings with stakeholders to discuss their sponsorship deal with Altrad after the construction company's owner was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence in Paris on Tuesday.

Al