Jerome Kaino fails in bid to overturn length of suspension

Jerome Kaino has failed in his bid to appeal a 5 week suspension handed down at last week's independent Disciplinary Committee.

An independent Appeal Committee has refused an appeal by the Toulouse player against the five-week suspension imposed on him after he was cited for foul play during his club's Heineken Champions Cup, Round 1 match against Bath Rugby.

At the initial Disciplinary Hearing, the citing complaint was upheld as it was determined that Kaino had struck the Bath Rugby centre, Jamie Roberts, with his shoulder in the 39th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.12.

In Paris today (Thursday, 25 October), the independent Appeal Committee consisting of Kathrine Mackie (Scotland) Chair, Frank Hadden (Scotland) and Martyn Wood (England), reviewed the finding of foul play that had warranted a red card as well as the level of sanction.

The Committee heard submissions from Kaino, from the Toulouse legal representative, Neil Robertson, from the Toulouse director, René Bouscatel, from the Toulouse Head Coach, Ugo Mola, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

The Committee was not satisfied that the decision taken at the initial Disciplinary Hearing had been in error and decided to dismiss the appeal.

Therefore, Kaino’s suspension remains in place and he is free to play on Monday, 3 December 2018.