Three-game suspension for Connacht's Ralston
NEWS: Connacht’s Byron Ralston has been suspended for three games following a citing in the United Rugby Championship for the game against Munster on New Year’s Day.
The Citing Commissioner in charge reported Ralston for an act of foul play in the 39th minute under Law 9.20d – Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. A player may lever the jackler out of the contest at the ruck but must not drop their weight onto them or target the lower limbs.
The Panel overseeing the disciplinary process (Roddy Dunlop KC (Chair), Roddy MacLeod and John Kirk (all Scotland)), found that the the Player had entered the contest in a manner that was reckless, with no realistic prospect of levering the jackler in a legal fashion and where he ought to have known that there was a likelihood of foul play and resulting injury.
Accordingly, the incident met the Red Card threshold, with entry of mid-range warranting six game suspension. However, the Panel reduced the suspension to three games (50% mitigation) due to his good record, apology and exemplary conduct in the hearing which results in a three-game suspension.
Fixtures Byron Ralston is unavailable for:
Lyon v Connacht, January 13 (Champions Cup)
Connacht v Bristol, January 19 (Champions Cup)
Cardiff Rugby v Connacht, February 17 (URC)
