Scotland prop Zander Fagerson given hearing date
Scotland prop Zander Fagerson will discover his World Cup fate at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.
Fagerson was sent off in the 50th minute of Scotland’s comeback victory over France at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday following a high challenge on Les Bleus hooker Pierre Bourgarit.
The Glasgow player was penalised for dangerous play by charging into a ruck and with two warm-up games left before Scotland kick off their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Marseille on September 10, he is in danger of missing at least part of the tournament.
The 27-year-old will attend the hearing via video conference before an independent judicial committee consisting of chairman Mike Hamlin, a former Gloucester player and referee and retired lawyer, former Dragons and Scarlets player Jamie Corsi and former international referee Juan Pablo Spirandelli of Argentina.
Fagerson was initially yellow-carded before having his punishment upgraded to a red a few minutes later after a review via the newly-implemented bunker system.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said after the game: “If it’s a timing issue or a height issue, yes, we have to make sure that we don’t get those head knocks, head collisions but there was no malice or foul play.
“It’s more from the rugby incident of mistiming on a ruck clear so we just have to hope that the judiciary see it the same as what we see.”
Fagerson was handed a four-game ban after being sent off following a similar incident against Wales in the 2021 Six Nations, but Townsend does not believe this offence was as severe.
Townsend faces further concerns over the fitness of Ben White and Jamie Ritchie.
Scrum-half White is having an ankle injury assessed after he limped off in clear discomfort on Saturday, while Ritchie has played no part in either of the two warm-up matches so far due to a calf issue. The captain is hoping to get some game time in France this weekend or at home to Georgia two weeks later.
There were no doubt some further concerns for Townsend over his World Cup preparations at half-time of Saturday’s clash with France as his side trailed 21-3, before notching 22 unanswered points after the break.
Hooker Dave Cherry was delighted to play his part in the fightback after entering the fray in the 57th minute and scoring Scotland’s third try.
“It’s always pleasing when things go well for yourself,” the Edinburgh forward said.
“I was just focused on doing my job. As a bench player, your objective is to bring energy and try and execute your role. That’s all I was focused on.”
Scotland are likely to face a stronger France side in St Etienne on Saturday.
Cherry said: “Every international game is tough, no matter who is on the pitch.
“We’re really pleased with the win and looking forward to the next game. Who knows what team France will put out? We’ll just focus on ourselves and see what comes.”
Cherry is battling with Edinburgh team-mate Stuart McInally for a hooker berth with George Turner and Ewan Ashman expected to make the squad.
“I’m not getting too far ahead of himself,” the 32-year-old said. “What will be, will be.
“That’s all I can do. You can probably question yourself a little bit when it gets to this stage but you just have to remind yourself that you can only do what you can do and try and perform on the pitch and then it’s up to Gregor and the rest of the coaching staff what happens.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Fiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith Springboks living rent free in his head 😊😂
67 Go to comments