Saint pays the price for foul play
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Northampton wing Tom Collins has been dealt a two-week suspension, following his sending off in last weekend’s Premiership win over Wasps.
Collins was dismissed after an aerial challenge with flyhalf Jacob Umaga in the 65th minute at the Ricoh Arena this past Sunday.
He was shown a red card by referee Matthew Carley – for tackling the jumper in the air, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.17
Collins accepted the charge and was given a two-week suspension by the panel – comprising Matthew Weaver (Chairman), with Mitch Read and Ruth Middleton.
Collins is free to play again on January 21.
He misses the Saints’ Rounds Five and Six matches in the European Cup competition.
“The panel found that the player’s actions were reckless in that he failed in his duty to protect the player in the air,” Chairman Matthew Weaver said.
“They accepted that there was no intent to cause any harm and the Player was immediately remorseful for the injury sustained by Jacob Umaga.
“The Panel found that this was a low-end entry point of four weeks and that the player was allowed the maximum mitigation of 50 percent due to his acceptance of the charge, his clean record and immediate and genuine remorse.”
