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9 weeks of suspensions handed down but alleged testicles grab merits just 2-week sanction
By Online Editors
Nine weeks of suspensions were handed to three Challenge Cup players for indiscretions last weekend, but a two-week suspension was all that an alleged testicles grab by Stade Francais flanker Charlie Rorke merited. Rorke, who was sent off by referee Ben Blain for allegedly grabbing the testicles of Benetton’s Leonardo Sarto, pleaded not guilty to the charge at an independent EPCR disciplinary hearing.
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The committee found that the red card was warranted, but rather than agree that the actions of the Stade Francais forward were in contravention of law 9.27 (a player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship), it was decided that Rorke was guilty of a different offence coming under law 9.11 (players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others).
It was then determined that the act of foul play was at the low-end of World Rugby’s sanctions and two weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point. Rorke is free to play on Monday, December 28.
Sarto, meanwhile, was given a one-week for his red card following the incident with Rorke for punching. The Italian pleaded guilty to foul play and was given a two-week entry point which was reduced by 50 per cent to a week, leaving him free to play again from next Monday, December 21.
Castres’ Hans N’Kinsi was not so fortunate, though, as he was suspended for six weeks after he was cited for stamping on the hand of the Ospreys scrum-half Shaun Venter.
This certainly puts the Joe Marler/Alun Wyn Jones incident in context.
Expect a big ban. #ChallengeCupRugby https://t.co/KHUb4GEsH8
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 12, 2020
He pleaded not guilty to the charge but the committee upheld the citing complaint, finding that N’Kinsi had intentionally stamped on Venter’s hand. It decided that the offence was in the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions.
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Six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point and while there were no aggravating factors, the committee decided that due to the player’s plea, his prior disciplinary record and his lack of remorse, there were no mitigating factors. He is banned until January 21.
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Really unfortunate after last Sunday's six-try Sandy Park success versus Glasgow #HeinekenChampionsCup
https://t.co/GJ5TKSvMsv— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 16, 2020
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The capitulation of the ABs in the last 10 mins against England showed the same lack of leadership that we saw in the 2nd Test against the Boks last year. If you remember with 5 mins to go to the end of the game we won a scrum on or near our 10 yard line. Stupidly Aumua went down with a feigned injury, while the ABs went into a huddle to allow Savea to discuss actions. Of course Aumua going down STOPPED THE CLOCK - really DUMB! Instead of playing the scrum and slowing down to use up the clock made most sense. TJ kicked from the base of the scrum to the BOKs 10 yard line, again instead of playing ball along the back line and recycling to run the time down. Aumua gave away the penalty the rest is history.
Go to commentsIf he's sacked it won't be for rugby reasons
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