Abraham Papali’i of Connacht Rugby has been banned for five weeks after a Disciplinary process took place today (Thursday, November 26) resulting from the red card he received during Round 7 of the Guinness PRO14.
The Player was shown a red card during Connacht’s game with Zebre Rugby Club on Sunday, November 22 at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma by referee Dan Jones (WRU) under Law 9.13 – A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.
The Player faced a Disciplinary panel consisting Charles Cuthbert (Chair), Nigel Williams and Declan Goodwin (all Wales). The Panel concluded that the incident warranted a red card and
was deemed a mid-range offence, which carries a six-week suspension.
The Player’s co-operation throughout the process and remorse shown warranted a one-week reduction of the suspension, bringing his ban to five weeks. The Player will be free to play from midnight on Monday, December 28 2020.
The Player was reminded of his right to appeal.
