Fraser Dingwall and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto have been suspended for three and four weeks respectively following an independent Disciplinary Hearing.
Both players were sent off during Northampton Saints’ Heineken Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
FRASER DINGWALL
Dingwall was sent off by referee Andrea Piardi in the 39th minute for tackling Stade Rochelais wing Dillyn Leyds in a dangerous manner, in contravention of Law 9.13.
The committee upheld the red card decision, finding that in carrying out the tackle in a dangerous manner, Dingwall had made contact with Leyds’ head. It then determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions, and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
As the player has a clear disciplinary record, and as there were no aggravating factors, it was decided to grant him the full 50% mitigation and the committee therefore reduced the sanction by three weeks before imposing a three-week suspension.
Dingwall is free to play on Monday, 20 February due to Northampton Saints’ fixture schedule – however, if he applies for and successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday, 13 February.
LUKHAN SALAKAIA-LOTO
Salakaia-Loto was sent off by referee Andrea Piardi in the 81st minute of the match for striking Stade Rochelais back row Paul Boudehent in a dangerous manner, in contravention of Law 9.11.
The committee upheld the red card decision, finding that Salakaia-Loto had been guilty of a ‘reckless act of foul play’. It then determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
Due to the player’s good disciplinary record and acceptance of the red card, the committee reduced the sanction by two weeks before imposing a four-week suspension.
Salakaia-Loto is free to play on Monday, 27 February due to Northampton Saints’ fixture schedule – however, if he applies for and successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday, 20 February.
Both players and EPCR have the right to appeal the decisions.
