Brumbies' Chance Peni suspended for five weeks
This is Chance Peni's second offence in 12-year period
©PA
Brumbies wing Chance Peni has been handed a suspension of five weeks following his yellow-card incident in the recently concluded Super Rugby encounter against Crusaders in Canberra.
Peni was sin-binned in the 20th minute of the game at GIO Stadium for a dangerous tackle on the opponent and was found to have breached Law 9.13. A player must not tackle an opponent dangerously (including above the line of the shoulders).
The 24-year-old appeared before a SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and Stephen Hardy and pleaded guilty to the charges.
This was also the second time Peni was banned for a dangerous tackle this season after he was previously suspended for three weeks in July following the game against Rebels at NIB Stadium.
Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Nigel Hampton QC stated that the offence attracted mid-range entry of six weeks and with this being his second charge in a 12-month period, the original ban was only reduced by one week considering other mitigating factors.
"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."
Peni will now remain suspended until 17th June. Brumbies are currently positioned fourth in Australian Conference with three wins from nine matches.
