Verdict in for All Black bad boy

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: All Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi has been given the verdict in his foul play disciplinary hearing.

SANZAAR judicial committee hearing has found Tu’ungafasi guilty of contravening Law 9.13: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.

This followed after he was issued with a red card during a Tri-Nations match this past weekend.

Tu’ungafasi has been suspended for three weeks – but it will run up to and including Saturday, February 20, as that is the period in which there are three meaningful matches he would have played in.

Tu’ungafasi made high contact with Australian wing Tom Wright during the match between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane last Saturday, November 7.

The SANZAAR judicial committee hearing held, via video conference, on Tuesday (November 10) was heard by Robert Stelzner (Chairman), Lawrence Sephaka and José Luis Rolandi.

(Continue below video … )

In his finding, the judicial committee Chairman, Stelzner, ruled: “Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including submissions from the Player and from his legal representative, Stephen Cottrell, by majority decision the judicial committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.13.

“With respect to sanction, the judicial committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 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 and has a clean judicial record, the Player was entitled to a full 50 percent reduction.

“The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including Saturday 20 February 2021.

“This sanction includes the Player’s next three scheduled matches as presented.”