Sio Tomkinson cops ban for 'not deliberate' hit on Jack Walsh
Dragons back Sio Tomkinson has been banned as a result of a red card given to him during the team's match against Ospreys on Saturday - although the hit has been branded 'not deliberate' by a panel.
Tomkinson's shoulder-to-head contact was the worst of three targetted hits on young Ospreys player Jack Walsh, with Lloyd Fairbrother and Ross Moriarty also getting heavily criticised for late contacts on the playmaker.
Despite the Dragons’ best efforts to take down the young No.10, the Ospreys ultimately emerged victorious with an 18-37 derby win. However, the victory was overshadowed by the ugly conduct of the Dragons players towards Walsh.
Tomkinson received the red card from referee Jaco Peyper under Law 9.13. The player admitted to committing the offence and accepted that a red card was warranted.
It isn't Tomkinson's first red either. In 2019 he was sent off for a Super Rugby hit on All Black Brodie Retallick in a game between the Chiefs and the Highlanders.
The disciplinary process was carried out by Judicial Officer Tommy Dalton of Ireland.
Dalton determined that Tomkinson's actions were reckless but not deliberate, and that the incident met the criteria for a red card. The entry point for the suspension was set at six weeks, but the player was given a three-week reduction due to his good record, remorse, and acceptance of responsibility.
It was also noted that Tomkinson's suspension could be further reduced by one week if he completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme - AKA tackle school.
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It sounds like Andrew is trying to convince himself or has just lost all perspective. The team did look jaded for the last couple of games of the six nations but a few things were wrong there. Italy tackled their hearts out and made Ireland work hard for every try. Outsmarted by Scotland? Huh? Ireland got held up over the line about 4 times. Scotland did nothing on attack the whole game other than one breakaway near the end. A recharge and reset is needed which they hopefully will have had before the SA your.
Go to commentsIncluding SA and Argie teams was great for the quality of rugby, but middle of the night games and player travel/ jet lag make that unworkable. I think that SA in Europe and Argie building an American league with USA, Canada etc would be better long term. If Oz can't sustain Rebels then next cab off the rank should be a Japanese team. Keep regional comps to time zones, both club and test rugby. Then existing test windows for test tours plus RWC.
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