Sharks lock banned for foul play

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Two South Africans are in hot water following Round Four of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup games last weekend.

Lock Hyron Andrews has been suspended for allegedly tackling the Stade Toulousain replacement hooker, Peato Mauvaka, dangerously, in the 71st minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.13.

Andrews was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Stefano Marrama (Italy), after he was shown a yellow card by the referee, Andrew Brace (Ireland), for the incident.

The Committee upheld the citing complaint, finding that Andrews had dangerously tackled Mauvaka 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.

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 point:s Low-end: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top-end: 10 to 52 weeks

An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Philippe Cavalieros (France, Chair), Ken Owens (Wales), and Attie Heyns (South Africa) heard the case via video conference yesterday, Tuesday 20 January. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

Andrews accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card.

Due to the player’s prior disciplinary record, the Committee was only able to reduce the sanction by two weeks and therefore imposed a four-week suspension.

Andrews is free to play again on Monday, February 23. However, if he applies for and completes the World Rugby Coaching intervention programme, he will be free to play on Monday, February 9.

Furthermore, Ru-Hann Greyling, US Montauban’s replacement hooker, was suspended for three weeks after he was sent off by the referee, Ben Connor (Wales), in the 28th minute of the Challenge Cup match for a dangerous play in a ruck on Connacht’s centre, Cathal Forde (No. 12), in contravention of Law 9.20 (b).

Law 9.20 b. Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.

Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.20 b carries the following sanction entry points: Low-end: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 4 weeks; Top-end: 8 to 52 weeks

An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Daniel Gore (England, Chair), Roger Morris (Wales), and Vicky Irwin (England) heard the case via video conference yesterday, Tuesday 20 January. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

Greyling accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but denied that it warranted a red card.

Law 9.20 a. Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul.

Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.20 a carries the following sanction entry points: Low-end: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top-end: 10 to 52 weeks

Taking into account the player’s acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play, his clear prior disciplinary record, and his conduct during the hearing, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by three weeks before imposing a three-week suspension.

Greyling is free to play on Monday, February 16. However, if he applies for and completes the World Rugby Coaching intervention programme, he will be free to play on Monday, February 2.