Sharks promising back cops three-week ban
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DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Sharks fullback Hakeem Kunene has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle during the Champions Cup.
Kunene received a red card during the Sharks' defeat to Union Bordeaux-Bègles in Round Four of the Champions Cup.
The fullback left the field in the 12th minute after a dangerous tackle on Union Bordeaux-Bègles wing, Arthur Retière.
Kunene was cited and fronted the dependent Disciplinary Committee.
He was deemed to have contravened Law 9.13. : A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction entry points: Low-end – 2 weeks/matches; Mid-range – 6 weeks/matches; Top-end 10-52 weeks/matches.
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Gareth Graham (England, Chair), Donal Courtney (Ireland) and John Kirk (Scotland) heard the case via video conference on Wednesday, January 22.
Kunene accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card.
The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
Nonetheless, the Committee determined that Kunene had committed an act of foul play that did warrant a red card and accordingly upheld the citing. It was then decided that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby's sanctions, and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
Taking into account the player's acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play, his good disciplinary record and his full cooperation with the disciplinary process, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by a maximum of 50 percent before imposing a three-week suspension.
Due to his club's upcoming fixtures and his current injury status, Kunene will be free to play on Monday, March 10.
However, if he applies for and completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday, March 3.
Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs prop Will Goodrick-Clarke has been suspended for one week following the Champions Cup Round 4 match between Ulster and Exeter Chiefs at the Kingspan Stadium on Friday, January 17.
The Bath prop Beno Obano is free to play after he was shown a red card during his club's Champions Cup Round 4 match against Leinster.
