Teimana Harrison gets short ban for head butt

Teimana Harrison has been banned for a headbutt after appearing before an RFU disciplinary panel.

The Northampton Saints backrow appeared before an independent disciplinary panel last night following his red card, issued by referee Adam Jones, for dangerous play – strike with the head – against Nathan Catt of Bath Rugby contrary to law 9.12.

The incident occurred in the 71st minute of the Anglo Welsh Cup match Bath Rugby v Northampton Saints on Friday 9 March 2018.

Harrison accepted the charge and was given a suspension of one week. He is free to play again on 27 March 2018, He is free to play again on 27 March 2018, taking into account Northampton Saints’ upcoming fixtures.

Chair of the panel Gareth Graham said: “Teimana Harrison accepted the charge that he struck Nathan Catt with his head. The panel heard evidence that contact was minimal and that no injury was caused. Unlike other offences involving a strike to the head, there is no mandatory entry point for a strike with the head to the head of an opponent.

“Having had the benefit of hearing from the player and from Mr Catt, the panel had no hesitation in finding that the action merited a low-end entry point, which carries with it a four-week sanction.

“The panel was impressed by the player’s record, both on and off the field, and his remorse was obvious; he clearly satisfied the requirements to receive the full 50% reduction by way of mitigation. On balance, the panel determined that such a sanction was wholly disproportionate to the level of offending and that a one-week ban was appropriate.”