'Disgusting' - Aussie prop could face six month ban for biting incident

Australian Rugby has cited a Queensland womens player for biting.

Queensland prop Liz Patu is due to appear before an independent disciplinary panel tomorrow (4 March) at the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU). Patu was cited by independent citing commissioner Wayne Erickson for an alleged incident of biting, contrary to Law 9.12.

Law 9.12 states: 'A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.'

If found guilty, Patu could face a lengthy ban. The lower entry point ban for such an offence is set out at 12 weeks, but she could be banned for up to six months.

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The incident occurred in the 70th minute of the match between Queensland Women and Rugby WA Women on Saturday 2 March 2019 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Footage has arisen of the incident, and it appears to be pretty clear cut evidence that Patu has a case to answer.

Commentating on the match, former Wallaby Drew Mitchell said: "I think we will hear more and we should. That is disgusting and it's not a part of our game, especially from an Australian representative and a captain at that."

The alleged victim of the bite, Rebecca Clough informed referee Lara West of what had happened: “Ref, I’m just saying, I’ve been bitten.”

West spoke with Queensland captain Kiri Lingman: “She showed me her arm with bite marks,” West said. “I didn’t see it, so I can’t call it. If I do see it, that person is gone. Tell them now.”

Patu’s hearing will take place at 6pm AEST at the QRU offices, Ballymore.

In 2017 Patu was selected to represent Australia at the International Women's Rugby Series in New Zealand and the Women’s Rugby World Cup.