Mapimpi cited for potential eye-gouge
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi finds himself in hot water after a potential eye-gouge during the Sharks’ European Champions Cup’s win over Bordeaux in Durban on Saturday.
The wing is alleged to have made contact with the eye or eye area of the Union Bordeaux-Bègles scrumhalf, Maxime Lucu, in the 36th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.12.
The incident was not picked up by the match-day officials, however, the Citing Commissioner, Brian Campsall (England) laid a complaint after the match.
Antony Davies (England), Chair, Leon Lloyd (England) and Donal Courtney (Ireland) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference on Wednesday, January 18.
The wing faces a four-week suspension if found guilty.
*FYI: Law 9.12 A player must not physically abuse anyone
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 relating to contact with the eye or eye area carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 8 weeks; Top end: 12 to 52 weeks.
The Round three fixture was dominated by ill discipline as the Top 14 side received four yellow cards.
The Sharks eventually recorded a 32-3 win and booked a place in the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Sale Sharks’ second row, Cobus Wiese, was issued with a red card during his club’s Champions Cup, Round three match against Stade Toulousain at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday, January 14.
Wiese was sent off by the referee, Mike Adamson (Scotland), in the 18th minute of the match for a dangerous clear out on the Stade Toulousain prop, Dorian Aldegheri (No.3), in contravention of Law 9.20.
Rhian Williams (Wales), Chair, Mike Ross (Ireland) and Lawrence Sephaka (South Africa) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place via video conference on Monday, January 16.
Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade will learn his fate on Tuesday.
Slade (No 13), was issued with a controversial red card during his club’s Champions Cup, Round three match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Slade was sent off by the referee, Thomas Charabas (France), in the 54th minute of the match for tackling the Bulls fullback, Kurt-Lee Arendse, in a dangerous manner in contravention of Law 9.13.
Jennifer Donovan (Ireland), Chair, Frank Hadden (Scotland) and Yannick Jauzion (France) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place via video conference on Tuesday, January 17.