Chance Peni suspended for dangerous high tackle on Israel Dagg

Chance Peni has been suspended for a dangerous high tackle on Israel Dagg who will also spend an extended period on the sidelines after tweaking his knee as he fell awkwardly to the ground.

SANZAAR released the following statement after reaching their verdict:

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee has accepted a guilty plea from Chance Peni of the Brumbies for contravening Law 9.13. A player must not tackle an opponent dangerously (including above the line of the shoulders), after he was Cited during a Super Rugby Match at the Weekend.

Peni has been suspended from all forms of the game for 5 weeks, up to and including Sunday 17 June 2018.

The incident occurred in the 19th minute of the match between the Brumbies and Crusaders played at GIO Stadium in Canberra on 28 April 2018.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and Stephen Hardy assessed the case.

In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Nigel Hampton QC ruled the following:

“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, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.13.”

“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid range entry point of 6 weeks. The player has received two previous periods of suspension for similar incidents in the preceding 12 months, and the Foul Play Review Committee added a further week to the sanction for that aggravating factor. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s remorse shown on field and his pleading guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 5 weeks.”

“The player is therefore suspended for 5 weeks, up to and including the 17 June 2018.”

All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the Foul Play Review Committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.

For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the Foul Play Review Committee.