Banned Scotland star could face Boks in World Cup opener

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Scotland could start their World Cup campaign in France next month without one of their star players.

Scotland prop Zander Fagerson has been slapped with a three-week ban for foul play in last Saturday’s 25-21 warm-up win over France in Edinburgh.

Fagerson appeared before a judicial committee, having received a red card for an act of foul play – contrary to Law 9.20 (a): Dangerous play in a ruck or maul.

The law states: “A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul.”

The judicial committee – consisting of Rhian Williams (Chairman, Wales), Jamie Corsi (Wales) and Juan Pablo Spirandelli (Argentina) – heard the case, considering all the available evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives.

In considering submissions made on behalf of the player, the committee agreed to amend the offence to Law 9.20 (b): Dangerous play in a ruck or maul.

This law states: “A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.”

The player admitted that he had committed an act of foul play under the revised Law and that it was worthy of a red card.

After reviewing all the evidence, the committee applied World Rugby’s mandatory minimum mid-range entry point for foul play resulting in contact with the head.

This resulted in a starting point of a four-week suspension.

Having acknowledged mitigating factors including the player’s admission at the earliest opportunity, his remorse which was conveyed to the French player as well as shown during the hearing, and accepting that there were no aggravating factors to consider, the committee reduced the four-week entry point by one week, resulting in a sanction of three weeks.

Fagerson will miss the following Scotland games:
August 12: v France (warm-up match)
August 26: v Georgia (warm-up match)
September 10: v South Africa (World Cup)

The Player may apply to take part in the Coaching Intervention Programme to substitute the final match of his sanction.

The coaching intervention is aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play.

The player has the right to appeal within 48 hours of the issuing of the full written decision.