Savea cited for controversial gesture
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: All Blacks star Ardie Savea has been cited for his throat-slitting gesture during the Hurricanes’ Super Rugby Pacific match against Melbourne Rebels on Friday.
The Hurricanes captain Savea ran his thumb across his throat during a verbal exchange with Melbourne Rebels scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens after being shown a yellow card in the round two match which the New Zealand side won 39-33.
Savea is alleged to have contravened Law 9.27: A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship,
The action was captured on match footage and subsequently reviewed by the Citing Commissioner, who deemed the incident had met the Red Card threshold for foul play.
Savea will face an independent disciplinary hearing on Monday, March 6.
Ugly scenes here.
Not a good look from Ardie Savea.
Have to wonder what was said. pic.twitter.com/EG8o64JwWM
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) March 3, 2023
SANZAAR confirmed Savea’s citing in an official statement.
“Ardie Savea of the Hurricanes has been cited for alleged foul play during a Super Rugby Pacific match at the weekend.
“Savea is alleged to have contravened Law 9.27: A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship, during the match between the Rebels and Hurricanes in Melbourne on March 3, 2023.
“Upon further review of the match footage, the Citing Commissioner deemed in his opinion the incident had met the Red Card threshold for foul play.
“The Case is to be considered in the first instance by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee which will take place on Monday, March 6 2023 via video conference.
“All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the Foul Play Review Committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.
“For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the Foul Play Review Committee.”
Meanwhile, Savea’s teammate Tevita Mafileo will also appear in front of an independent disciplinary hearing on Monday, March 6 after he received a red card for a dangerous tackle during the same match.
Mafileo is alleged to have contravened Law 9.20: Dangerous play in a ruck or maul.
