New Zealander banned for five weeks

NEWS: Connacht’s Abraham Papali’i has been banned for five weeks for a dangerous tackle against Zebre that left a player needing medical attention, the Pro14 have confirmed.

Papali’i was shown a red card during Connacht’s game with Zebre last weekend at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma by referee Dan Jones (WRU) under 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.”

Replacement Papali’i hit Zebre and Italian centre Tommaso Boni with a head to head contact in the 56 minute of the game. Boni was left prone on the ground following the impact and was treated on the pitch by medics.

A Pro14 statement reads: “The Player faced a Disciplinary panel consisting Charles Cuthbert [Chair], Nigel Williams and Declan Goodwin [all Wales]. The Panel concluded that the incident warranted a red card and was deemed a mid-range offence, which carries a six-week suspension.

“The Player’s co-operation throughout the process and remorse shown warranted a one-week reduction of the suspension, bringing his ban to five weeks. The Player will be free to play from midnight on Monday, December 28 2020.

“The Player was reminded of his right to appeal.”

Meanwhile, Ospreys’ Gareth Evans has been banned for three weeks after a Disciplinary process resulting from the red card he received during Round Seven.

“The Player was shown a red card during the Ospreys’ game with Benetton on Sunday, November 22 at St Helen’s RFC in Swansea by referee Andrew Brace [IRFU] under Law 9.20(a) – 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.

“The Disciplinary process for the red card offence was presided over by Judicial Officer Adv Sibonile Khoza (SARU). The Player accepted that his actions were reckless and that the offence warranted a red card. The incident was deemed a mid-range offence, which carries a six-week suspension.

“The Player’s previous clean disciplinary record, acceptance of his actions, co-operation and remorse shown warranted application of maximum (50 per cent) mitigation, bringing his ban to three weeks. The Player will be free to play from midnight on December 19, 2020.

“The Player was reminded of his right to appeal.”