Reds suffer another blow with suspension

NEWS: The Reds have suffered a blow ahead of Friday’s clash with the Rebels with prop Sef Fa’agase suspended for four games.

The incident happened during the first half of their 25-19 win when Fa’agase had made head-to-head contact with loose forward Simon Parker.

The incident was not picked up during the game, with the prop eventually coming off for an HIA due to the head-on-head contact.

However, SANZAAR’s citing commission deemed it worthy of a red card offence, suspending him for a month.

“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, Mark Martin KC, the Judicial Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.13,” they said in a statement.

“Following the World Rugby Head Contact Process (HCP), the Committee assessed the player’s actions as having directly contacted the head, at speed, with high force and without the required mitigating factors to warrant a reduction from a red card.

“The Judicial Committee thoroughly considered all factors of World Rugby’s Head Contact Process and sanctioning table and concluded that the foul play warranted a mid-range entry point of six weeks.

“After taking into account mitigating factors such as the Player’s remorse, disciplinary history, and conduct throughout the hearing, the sanction was reduced to 4 weeks. The Player is therefore suspended for four weeks, up to and including April 12.”