Alainu'uese's gets one-week 'discount'

An appeal panel on Thursday held a de novo hearing for Alainu'uese, who was suspended on January 4, for three weeks.

The ban was handed down by a disciplinary committee after a citing complaint regarding foul play against Benetton Treviso on December 31.

The de novo hearing took place in Cardiff in front of an appeal panel consisting of Roger Morris (chairman), Simon Thomas (Wales) and Barry O'Driscoll (Ireland).

The player appeared by video link and was supported by Gregor Townsend (Glasgow Warriors coach), John Manson (Glasgow Warriors team manager) and legal representatives for both the club and the Scottish Rugby Union.

The Appeal Panel determined that an act of foul play occurred, which was worthy of a red card.

The Panel considered it to be a low entry point with a sanction of two weeks. There were no aggravating circumstances, but insufficient mitigation to reduce from two weeks.

Having already served one week of his suspension the player will be free to play from Monday, January 16.