Charge for kicking opponent dismissed by panel

HEARING: Ahsee Tuala of Northampton Saints appeared before an online independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday, following a citing in the match between Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors on Saturday 26 December.

He was cited by independent citing commissioner Jay Curts for kicking contrary to World Rugby Law 9.12

Tuala contested the charge which was dismissed by the independent disciplinary panel comprising Ian Unsworth QC (chair) with Leon Lloyd and Tony Wheat. The player is free to play again immediately.

The independent disciplinary panel said: “The panel accepts that this was an accident. The player misjudged the flight of the ball, and, in our judgment, was doing no more than seeking to regain his balance. In all the circumstances, the citing is dismissed and the player is free to play with immediate effect.”