Danty's ban adds to France's woes

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: France suffer a massive blow as centre Jonathan Danty will miss the rest of the Six Nations after being handed a ban for his red card during the 13-all draw against Italy.

The 31-year-old initially received a yellow card from English referee Christophe Ridley in the 40th minute for a dangerous tackle on centre Juan Ignacio Brex.

However, the yellow card was upgraded to red by the bunker review system.

The red card had a huge impact as France failed to find their rhythm and build on their 10-3 lead at the break, they eventually had to settle for the 13-all draw.

The midfielder faced a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday and admitted to the act of foul play.

He was consequently suspended for five weeks.

The ban means that Danty will miss France’s remaining two matches against Wales and England, as well as three La Rochelle games.

However, if he completes the World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme the last match of the sanction could be scratched and free him to face the Stormers in the Champions Cup round of 16 match on April 6.

The official Six Nations statement read: “The independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Jennifer Donovan – Chair (Ireland), Leon Lloyd (England) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) heard the case and considered all the available evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives.

“The player admitted that he had committed an act of foul play and that it had been worthy of a red card. The Disciplinary Committee accepted that the player had acted recklessly, and not maliciously or with intent.

“The Disciplinary Committee also highlighted that the player had accepted guilt at the earliest opportunity and shown immediate remorse on the field of play.

“On that basis and applying World Rugby’s mandatory sanctioning provisions, the Disciplinary Committee concluded that the incident warranted a mid-range entry point of six weeks suspension. Mitigating factors [he player’s apology, acknowledgement of guilt and good conduct at the hearing] were applied, reducing the six-week entry point by two weeks. However, one further week was added for aggravating factors [the player’s disciplinary record] resulting in a five-week playing suspension.”

The sanction is to be served as the following given the player’s upcoming schedule;

March 9 or 10  – La Rochelle v Stade Français, Top 14 OR Wales vs France, Six Nations

March 16 – France vs England, Six Nations

March 23 – Bayonne vs La Rochelle, Top 14

 March 30 – La Rochelle vs Oyonnax, Top 14

April 6 – Stormers vs La Rochelle, EPCR Champions Cup

The midfielder was cited for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13:

A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.

The 31-year-old will miss France’s final two matches of the tournament, away to Wales and at home to England.