Exiles' Tongan import gets 11-week ban

London Irish’s Tongan international Chris Hala’ufia was given a potentially season-ending ban on Thursday after being served with an 11-week suspension for a dangerous tackle during a European Cup game.

A hearing for Hala’ufia was reconvened in Dublin on Thursday, at which independent judicial officer Mark McParland imposed a suspension that will sideline the player until May 17.

The Exiles No.8, Hala’ufia, was cited for a dangerous tackle on Racing Metro fullback Gaetan Germain – in contravention of Law 10.4(e) – during a European Cup pool match in Paris on December 10.

Hala’ufia broke his arm in the same game, so the hearing was adjourned until he resumed playing again.

In a statement McParland said he heard evidence and submissions from Hala’ufia, who pleaded guilty to the complaint, from London Irish Team Manager, Kieran McCarthy, and Forwards Coach, Neal Hatley. He also heard evidence and submissions from ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor.

“The Judicial Officer upheld the citing complaint and employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(e), he decided that the offence was at the mid-range entry point of six weeks,” the statement said.

“Having taken into the account the player’s poor disciplinary record, he added six weeks, and in reference to the IRB’s directive on this pattern of offending [dangerous tackles], he then added a further two weeks as a deterrent.

“Having also considered the player’s guilty plea and remorse, the injury he suffered and internal disciplinary action taken by London Irish, the Judicial Officer granted him mitigation of three weeks before imposing a suspension of 11 weeks.”

The 33-year-old Hala’ufia can appeal.

But, as things stand, he is now set to miss the remainder of the regular season and will not feature for London Irish again this term unless they reach the English Premiership Final on May 26.

McParland decided the offence warranted a mid-range entry point of a six-week ban but added six weeks for Hala’ufia’s poor disciplinary record and another fortnight as a deterrent.

Hala’ufia received a seven-week ban from the Rugby Football Union earlier this season for a dangerous and high tackle on Gloucester full-back Olly Morgan in a Premiership match, which was not the first time he has faced disciplinary action.

London Irish, who play Wasps on Saturday, still have an outside chance of reaching the Premiership play-offs.

The Exiles are 10 points behind fourth-placed Leicester with six league games remaining.