All Black gets ban for dangerous shot on Stormers player
UPDATE: The European Professional Club Rugby organisation has handed New Zealand legend Ma’a Nonu a suspension following the Champions Cup Round of 16.
The EPCR received a citing complaint against the Toulon replacement centre, Nonu, after the French team’s 28-27 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.
He appeared in front of an independent disciplinary committee and was handed a three-match suspension.
The independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Gareth Graham (England, Chair), Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Marcelo D’Orey (Portugal) heard the case via video conference on Tuesday. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
Nonu accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card.
The Committee upheld the citing complaint, finding that Nonu had dangerously tackled Simelane and determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions, and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
Taking into account the player’s acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play, his expression of remorse and his very good disciplinary record, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by a maximum of 50% before imposing a three-week suspension.
Nonu is free to play again on Monday, April 27. However, if he applies for and completes the World Rugby Coaching intervention programme, he will be free to play on Monday, April 20.
Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
Nathan Jibulu (Sale Sharks) suspended for six weeks
The Sale Sharks replacement hooker, Nathan Jibulu has been suspended for six weeks following an independent disciplinary hearing arising from the Champions Cup Round of 16 match between Harlequins and Sale Sharks at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday, April 4.
Jibulu was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Sébastien Lorant-Raze (France), for allegedly biting the Harlequins replacement prop, Will Hobson, in the 69th minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.12.
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
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Philippe Cavalieros (France, Chair), Bogdan Zebega (Romania) and Ruhan Straeuli (South Africa) heard the case via video conference on Tuesday, 7 April 7. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
Jibulu accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card.
The Committee upheld the citing complaint, finding that Jibulu had bitten an opponent and determined that the offending was at the low-end of World Rugby’s sanctions, and 12 weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
Taking into account his guilty plea, timely expression of remorse, his young age and inexperience and his clear disciplinary record, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by a maximum of 50%, before imposing a six-week suspension.
The expiry of his suspension will be determined once Sale Sharks’ fixtures for the rest of the season are confirmed.
Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
