Fifita punished for hit on Du Preez
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Hurricanes flank Vaea Fifita was handed a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Sharks flank Daniel Du Preez.
Fifita appeared in front of a SANZAAR Judicial Committee after he was issued with a Red Card during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.
The incident occurred on the 74th minute during the Hurricanes’ 30-17 win over the Sharks in Durban.
The 26-year-old was found guilty of contravening Law: 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.
The SANZAAR Judicial Hearing held via video conference was heard by Helen Morgan (Chairperson), John Langford, De Wet Barry.
“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Judicial Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.13.”
“With respect to sanction, the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level. Taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s clean judicial record, his acceptance of foul play and his expressed remorse, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.”
“The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including June 22, 2019.”
Fifita’s ban means that he will miss Saturday’s Super Rugby clash against the Lions at Ellis Park.
He will be sidelined for the all-New Zealand derby against the Blues in the last round and will sit out the Hurricanes’ quarter-final clash on June 21 or 22.
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