WACTH: Wallaby Rory Arnold to miss First June Test through suspension

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee has accepted a guilty plea from Rory Arnold of the Brumbies for contravening Law 9.13: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously, after he was Red Carded during a Super Rugby Match at the Weekend. 

Arnold has been suspended from all forms of the game for 3 weeks, up to and including Saturday 9 June 2018.

The incident occurred in the 60th minute of the match between the Lions and Brumbies played at Emirates Airlines Park in Johannesburg on 19 May 2018.

The ban means that Arnold will miss the first test against Ireland but will be available for the remaining two tests.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and John Langford assessed the case.

In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Nigel Hampton QC ruled the following: 

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles, and a statement from the player, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.13." 
 
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play, a dangerous high tackle, merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's excellent, clear, disciplinary record, his expressed remorse and his guilty plea at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks."

"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including the Saturday 9 June 2018.”