All Black cited for 'cheap shot' on Stormers player
NEWS: The European Professional Club Rugby organisation has issued a disciplinary update after the Round of 16 matches this weekend, and a New Zealand player is going to be on the carpet.
The EPCR received a citing complaint against the Toulon replacement centre, Ma’a Nonu (No.23), following the French team’s 28-27 Champions Cup win over the Stormers at Stade Mayol this past weekend.
Nonu is alleged to have tackled the Stormers replacement centre, Wandisile Simelane (No.23), dangerously, in the 79th minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.13.
Nonu, 43, who played the last of his 103 All Black Tests at the 2015 World Cup, was shown a yellow card by the referee, Christophe Ridley (England), for the incident.
The complaint against Nonu was made by the match citing commissioner, Dave Guyan (England).
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.
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction entry points
* Low-end: two weeks
* Mid-range: six weeks
* Top-end: 10 to 52 weeks
Gareth Graham (England, Chairman), Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Marcelo D’Orey (Portugal) have been appointed as the disciplinary committee for the hearing, which will take place by video conference on Tuesday.
Citing complaint – Nathan Jibulu (Sale Sharks)
The EPCR has also received a citing complaint against the Sale Sharks replacement hooker, Nathan Jibulu (No.6), following the Champions Cup Round of 16 match between Harlequins and Sale Sharks at the Twickenham Stoop this past Saturday, April 4.
Jibulu is alleged to have bitten the Harlequins replacement prop, Will Hobson (No.17), in the 69th minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.12.
The complaint was made by the match citing commissioner, Sébastien Lorant-Raze (France).
Law 9.12 A player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes biting
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 (Biting) carries the following sanction entry points
* Low-end: 12 weeks
* Mid-range: 18 weeks
* Top-end: 24 to 208 weeks
Philippe Cavalieros (France, Chairman), Bogdan Zebega (Romania) and Ruhan Straeuli (South Africa) have been appointed as the disciplinary committee for the hearing, which will take place by video conference on Tuesday.
