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9 weeks of suspensions handed down but alleged testicles grab merits just 2-week sanction
By Online Editors
Nine weeks of suspensions were handed to three Challenge Cup players for indiscretions last weekend, but a two-week suspension was all that an alleged testicles grab by Stade Francais flanker Charlie Rorke merited. Rorke, who was sent off by referee Ben Blain for allegedly grabbing the testicles of Benetton's Leonardo Sarto, pleaded not guilty to the charge at an independent EPCR disciplinary hearing.
The committee found that the red card was warranted, but rather than agree that the actions of the Stade Francais forward were in contravention of law 9.27 (a player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship), it was decided that Rorke was guilty of a different offence coming under law 9.11 (players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others).
It was then determined that the act of foul play was at the low-end of World Rugby’s sanctions and two weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point. Rorke is free to play on Monday, December 28.
Sarto, meanwhile, was given a one-week for his red card following the incident with Rorke for punching. The Italian pleaded guilty to foul play and was given a two-week entry point which was reduced by 50 per cent to a week, leaving him free to play again from next Monday, December 21.
Castres' Hans N’Kinsi was not so fortunate, though, as he was suspended for six weeks after he was cited for stamping on the hand of the Ospreys scrum-half Shaun Venter.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge but the committee upheld the citing complaint, finding that N’Kinsi had intentionally stamped on Venter’s hand. It decided that the offence was in the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions.
Six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point and while there were no aggravating factors, the committee decided that due to the player’s plea, his prior disciplinary record and his lack of remorse, there were no mitigating factors. He is banned until January 21.
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Latest Comments
I was at this match. Jordie Barrett earned his money with a massive hit to slow a connaught attack to win the math when Leinster had 14 in the last few mins. Mack Hansen had a real go at the refereeing after citing a serious head hits on Iaone and Aki.
connaught were up for this. Snyman tried a trademark dirty after, and the onnaught 4 and the onnaught pack absolutely laid into him.
Leinster hose to kick to the corner when only winning by 5 with 10 left and qith only 2 tries scored. onnaught should have punisihed them for that utter stupidity after they broke out and Leinster yellowed to stop the attack.
13 changes from last week. It seems teams are scoring about 10 points less against Leinster this year. With Neinaber in his second year, the new attack coah established, surely they will be a bigger threat in champions up? Or will the attack recgress further.
They must adopt the SA philosophy of take your 3 pointers and the bonus points will come.
connaught back line inluding Iaone, Murphy, Aki, Forde, cordero is the seond best in Ireland surely. Leinster were lucky here
Go to commentsShould have played more for England but he jumped ship just as he was breaking through.
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