Hurricanes flanker Vaea Fifita suspended for three weeks
Vaea Fifita was red-carded during the game against Sharks
©PA
Hurricanes flanker Vaea Fifita has been suspended for three weeks following the red-card incident during the recently concluded Super Rugby clash against Sharks at Jonsson Kings Park.
The 26-year-old was sent-off in the 75th minute for a dangerous tackle and was cited for a breach of Law 9.13.
Fifita appeared before a three-person disciplinary panel comprising of Helen Morgan (Chairperson), John Langford, De Wet Barry and was initially handed a six-week ban that was reduced by half taking into consideration the conduct during the hearing and 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, Aaron Lloyd, the Judicial Committee upheld the red card under Law 9.13.
“With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level," Judicial Committee Chairperson Helen Morgan said.
"Taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s clean judicial record, his acceptance of foul play and his expressed remorse, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to three weeks.
“The player is therefore suspended for three weeks, up to and including 22 June 2019.”
Hurricanes currently are at the second position in the New Zealand Conference with 10 wins from 14 matches.
