Dave Ward suspended for three weeks

Harlequins player, Dave Ward, has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London  arising from his club's Champions Cup, Round 2 match against Wasps at the Ricoh Arena.

 
Ward was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Murray Whyte (Ireland), for striking the Wasps flanker, Thomas Young (No 7), with his head in the 47th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).

Law 10.4 (a) Striking with the head

Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (a), striking with the head, carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 10 weeks; Top end: 16 to 104 weeks.


The Committee upheld the citing complaint and determined that offence warranted a red card. The Committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point.

 
As there were no aggravating factors, and taking into account Ward's good disciplinary record, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by one week before imposing a suspension of three weeks.

 
Ward is free to play on Monday, 13 November and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision