Paice suspended for three weeks
The London Irish hooker David Paice has been suspended for three weeks, following a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Wednesday.
The ban arose from the European Challenge Cup Round Five match against Grenoble at the Madejski Stadium last Saturday, January 17.
Paice was sent off by referee Dudley Phillips (Ireland) in the 57th minute of the Pool One game, for allegedly striking the Grenoble fullback Julien Caminati with his head in contravention of Law 10.4(a).
Law 10.4(a) Punching or striking. A player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knees.
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4(a), Striking with the Head, carries the following sanction entry points: Low End: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 10 weeks; Top End: 16 to 104 weeks.
The judicial officer, Jean-Noel Couraud (France), heard evidence and submissions from Paice, who pleaded not guilty to the offence, from the London Irish coach Glenn Delaney and the London Irish team manager Kieran McCarthy, as well as from the EPCR disciplinary officer.
In upholding the red card decision, the judicial officer found that Paice had committed an act of foul play.
He concluded that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions for offences of this nature and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point.
Taking into account the player's good conduct at the hearing, the judicial officer reduced the sanction by the maximum of one week and imposed a suspension of three weeks.
Paice is free to play on Monday, February 9.
Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
