1
Three-week ban for Wallaby Cooper
By Peter Thompson
Quade Cooper has been given a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle during Queensland Reds' Super Rugby hammering at Lions on Saturday.
The Australia fly-half was shown a red card early in the second half after catching Rohan Janse van Rensburg when the centre went over for a try at Emirates Airlines Park.
Cooper, who returned to his homeland this season after a spell with Toulon, pleaded guilty and will now miss the matches with Jaguares, Hurricanes and Brumbies.
The SANZAAR Judicial Committee's verdict was: "Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Mark Martin QC, the Judicial Committee accepted the guilty plea of the player under Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent.
"With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks.
"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's admission of guilt, his remorse and the fact that the player had a good disciplinary record having not come under notice since 2012, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.
"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including Saturday 8 April 2017."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
3
Exclusive RugbyPass interview: Toulon co-captain David Ribbans
4
Exclusive interview: Northampton's Matt Ferguson
5
Latest Comments
The prem games this season have mainly been great to watch , with the exception of Sale. So boring and predictable.
Let's have more of Bristol, Bath , Quins etc style of play.
Rugby needs expansive play to put more bums on seats . Not the dirge of rolling forward mauls constantly trying to bully their way over the line.
It has its place yes to draw the defence but the fans want to see more running rugby . Not win at any cost and sod the entertainment .
Go to commentsSo Borthwick should drop Marcus Smith? He's the odd one out, forcing the rest of the English backline into a gameplay they don't know. Replacing him with Fin or Ford makes everyone more likely to succeed.
Go to comments