Wallaby's 'four-week' ban will last till February

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Wallaby bad boy Lukahan Salakaia-Loto has been banned for ‘four weeks’.

He before for a SANZAAR foul play review committee that accepted a guilty plea from Salakaia-Loto of Australia – for contravening Law 9.13: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.

The hearing follows afrter he was red-carded for making high contact with Argentina’s flank Santiago Grondona during the dramatic 16-all draw between Australia and Argentina in Sydney at the weekend.

Salakaia-Loto has been suspended from all forms of the game for fourweeks – but it will last up to and including Friday, February 26.

The SANZAAR foul play review committee of Adam Casselden (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and Mike Mika assessed the case.

In his finding, foul play review committee Chairman Adam Casselden ruled the following: “Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including submissions from his legal representative, Maryjane Crabtree, the foul play review committee upheld the red card under Law 9.13.

(Continue below …)

“With respect to sanction the foul play review committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks – due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level.

“However, taking into account mitigating factors – including the fact the player has pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity – the foul play review committee reduced the suspension to 4 weeks.

“The Player was not entitled to a full 50 percent reduction due to the presence of a prior offence on his record.

“The player is therefore suspended for 4 weeks, up to and including Friday 26 February 2021.”