VIDEO: Player banned for life for this tackle

NEWS: A high tackle of a different kind resulted in a Namibian club player being banned from ever playing rugby again.

During a match between Grootfontein and Reho Falcons last month a player of Grootfontein sprinted towards the referee and tackled him.

The player was dragged away from the referee by members of both teams while they pleaded with touchline officials to take action.

After recovering from the incident the referee brandished a red card to the player and ended the match early due to concern for his safety.

The player also received a 156-week ban from all forms of the game, including coaching, refereeing, and administration, effective as of May 30, 2024. The ban will end on May 31, 2027, contingent upon clearance by the NRU for participation in non-playing roles.

Namibia Rugby Union concluded the disciplinary hearing and confirmed the ban of the player in a release.

“The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has concluded a disciplinary hearing concerning an incident that occurred during a match on May 18, 2024. During this match, a player from Grootfontein Rugby Club engaged in conduct deemed detrimental to the sport and the NRU,” NRU posted on their social media.

“The hearing took place on May 30, 2024, presided over by chairperson Louis Karsten, with Vice Chairperson Jacques Oosthuizen and Frik Engelbrecht, and facilitated by Norwin Oosthuizen. The hearing followed NRU guidelines and included the presentation of evidence such as the referee’s report and video footage of the incident.

“The player pleaded guilty to charges under World Rugby Laws 9.11, 9.12, 9.27 and 9.28. After careful consideration, the disciplinary committee imposed the following sanctions:

“1 – A lifetime ban from playing rugby. 2 – A 156-week ban from all forms of rugby, including coaching, refereeing and administration, effective from May 30, 2024. The ban will end on May 31, 2027, contingent upon clearance by the NRU for participation in non-playing roles.

“The committee emphasised the severity of the offence, noting the potential for serious injury to the match official, the deliberate nature of the act, and the negative impact on the reputation of the NRU and the sport of rugby internationally.

“The player has been informed of the right to appeal the decision.

“The NRU re-affirms its commitment to upholding the integrity and safety of the sport and will not tolerate any actions that jeopardise these values.”