Banned Afoa to miss semifinals

Ulster’s All Black prop John Afoa has been suspended for four weeks, following a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Thursday.

The ban, arising from the Heineken Cup quarterfinal match against Munster on Sunday, means the Kiwi will miss Ulster’s semifinal against Edinburgh in Dublin later this month.

However, he will return from his ban in time for the Final at Twickenham on May 19 – should Ulster advance.

Afoa was alleged to have carried out a dangerous tackle on the Munster fullback Felix Jones during the second half of the match at Thomond Park. The complaint was made by citing commissioner, Peter Larter (England).

The judicial officer, Jean-Nöel Couraud (France), heard evidence and submissions from Afoa who pleaded not guilty to foul play.

The player was accompanied by Ulster Director of Rugby David Humphreys, team manager David Millar and legal representative Donal Spring. The Judicial Officer also heard evidence and submissions from ERC disciplinary officer Roger O’Connor.

The Judicial Officer upheld the citing complaint and found that the offence warranted a red card, and employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(j), he determined that the offence was at the mid-range entry point of six weeks. In reference to the IRB’s directive on this pattern of offending (tip tackles), he then added a further week as a deterrent.

Having then considered the mitigating factors, including the player’s clean record, good character, age and experience, the judicial officer allowed a reduction of three weeks, before imposing a suspension of four weeks.

Afoa will be free to play on Monday, May  7.

Both the player and ERC have the right to appeal the decision.