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Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen can reduce his ban
07/24/2024 07:30 AM
A major talking point from this past Saturday’s Test between the Springboks and Portugal revolved around whether Andre Esterhuizen deserved to receive a red card.
Esterhuizen made head contact with Portugal counterpart Jose Lima in a thumping tackle, but many – mostly South African – supporters felt that the initial contact was below the shoulders.
However, World Rugby are clamping down on any head-to-head contact in an endeavour to ensure the tackle height of players is habitually lowered.
Following the hearing undertaken by an Independent Disciplinary Committee, Esterhuizen accepted that foul play had occurred and that the offence warranted a red card.
Yet it should be noted that the burly centre can reduce his ban to just three games subject to completing the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.
As it stands, Esterhuizen’s ban will include the Sharks’ Currie Cup games against the Lions, Pumas, and Griquas – but he could then be available again if he successfully completes the CISM.
In that scenario, he would only technically be unavailable for the Springboks’ Rugby Championship opener against Australia on 10 August.
What will the CISM entail for Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen?
World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme has been adopted into regulation after an initial global pilot successfully demonstrated positive player and coach behaviour change.
Since its launch in July 2021, hundreds of players have successfully completed the programme which is designed to reduce head contact by incentivising players and coaches to practice tackle technique that carries a statistically lower injury risk, reducing the number of red cards over time.
Under the programme, any player in elite rugby around the world who has been sanctioned for the first time by a disciplinary panel for foul play involving contact with the head may apply to substitute the final week/match of their sanction for a coaching intervention.
“With the sport united in its unwavering commitment to player welfare, the latest statistics demonstrate that repeat offences are below 10 percent, highlighting the importance of technique to both welfare and performance outcomes,” a World Rugby statement read.
- Programme aims to help reduce head contact by reducing the risk of foul play caused by poor technique
- Coach and player behaviour change leading to positive outcomes
- Programme overseen by expert panel of coaches, match officials and former players
- 120 players have now successfully completed the programme
- 94 per cent of players who have completed the programme have not repeat offended
The tackle accounts for 73 percent of head injury assessment events in the elite game of which 76 percent occur to the tackler. The risk of concussion is more than four times greater when the tackler is upright in the tackle.
Important endeavour
“Ingraining the importance of better (lower) tackle technique across the game, along with strong on-field sanctions and continual law evolution, it is possible to achieve stronger welfare outcomes,” World Rugby added.
Visit World Rugby's dedicated disciplinary process education and information page here, which includes a video on how rugby's disciplinary process works.