Patelsio Tomkinson suspended for 3 weeks

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

Tomkinson has been suspended from all forms of the game for 3 weeks, up to and including Saturday 7 March 2020.

The incident occurred in the 44th minute of the match between the Brumbies and Highlanders at GIO Stadium in Canberra on 15 February 2020.

Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Adam Casselden SC ruled the following: 

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, 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 merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's clean judicial record and the fact the Player has pleaded guilty 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 7 March 2020.”