Rugby-Montpellier receive hefty fine over salary cap breach

Montpellier have been fined 470,000 euros ($516,624) for failing to abide by the Top 14 salary cap rules, the French rugby league (LFP) said on Monday. The LFP statement said that the southern club, with South African international Fran Steyn earning a reported 500,000 euros a year, exceeded the limit of 11.3 million euros a year in salaries.

The initial fine of 400,000 euros was increased to 470,000 after Montpellier failed to provide the necessary documents to the league, the LFP said. Montpellier, who lie eighth in the Top 14 standings, have a week to appeal the decision.

($1 = 0.9098 euros)