Schalk Burger suspended for one week

Saracens back row, Schalk Burger, has been suspended for one week following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London on Tuesday (23 January) arising from his club's Champions Cup, Round 6 match against Northampton Saints at Allianz Park.

Burger was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Peter Ferguson (Ireland), for dangerously entering a ruck and making contact with the Northampton Saints flanker, David Ribbans, in the 48th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.20.

Law 9.20 Dangerous play in a ruck or maul
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.20 carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 4 weeks; Top end: 8 to 52 weeks. 

An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Pamela Woodman (Scotland), Chair, Antony Davies (England) and Graham Quinn (Ireland), heard evidence and submissions from Burger, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from the player's legal representative, Sam Jones, from the Saracens Director of Rugby, Mark McCall, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

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

Due to the player's guilty plea and good recent disciplinary record, and as there were no aggravating factors, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50 per cent before imposing a suspension of one week.

As Burger is not available for selection for Saracens' Anglo-Welsh Cup, Round 3 match this weekend, his period of suspension will take in the club's Anglo-Welsh Cup, Round 4 fixture against the Exeter Chiefs.
 

He is therefore free to play on Monday, 5 February. Both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.