Japan flanker Pieter Labuschagne banned for dangerous tackle

Japan flanker Pieter Labuschagne has been banned following his red card following a red card received for a dangerous tackle in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Fiji in Tokyo on August 5.

His ban will see him miss at least one Rugby World Cup match, possibly two.

The South African-born forward faced an independent judicial committee on Thursday, which was chaired by Brenda Heather-Latu from Samoa and comprised former international player Leon Lloyd of England and former international coach Frank Hadden from Scotland.

After careful examination of the player's submissions and comprehensive evidence review, the Committee determined that the red card criteria were met and consequently upheld the red card decision. The breach fell under Law 9.13. Although a mandatory mid-range sanction of six matches was stipulated, considering mitigating factors, the sanction was halved by the maximum allowable mitigation of 50 percent. As a result, the final sanction was set at three matches.

Labuschagne's suspension will encompass three encounters, including clashes against Italy on August 26, 2023, and crucial Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool D matches against Chile and England on September 10 and September 17, respectively.

Labuschagne however intends to partake in the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, aiming to swap the final match of his suspension for a coaching intervention that addresses specific techniques and technical aspects contributing to his foul play.