Brumbies to challenge Len Ikitau's red card ahead of semi-final against Blues

Brumbies will be appealing against the red card decision on Len Ikitau when they appear before a SANZAAR judicial committee ahead of their semi-final game against Auckland Blues.

Ikitau was sent-off for a high tackle on Hurricanes flyhalf Aidan Morgan in the 25th minute during the quarter-final game of the Super Rugby Pacific but despite the setback, Brumbies went on to win the knock out encounter 35-25.

With Morgan not leaving the field, Brumbies could be looking for defence in case the 23-year-old cops a ban.

"Following initial consideration by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee, Len Ikitau of the Brumbies will appear at a SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing after being red carded for alleged foul play during a Super Rugby Pacific quarter final match at the weekend," SANZAAR said in a statement.

"Ikitau is alleged to have contravened Law 9.13: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously, during the match between the Brumbies and Hurricanes at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday 4 June 2022."

Even though Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar said after the game that they could consider appealing against any suspension decision, fly-half Noah Lolesio expressed confidence that the squad has enough depth to overcome the loss in case the decision does not go in their favour.

“That’s our point of difference in this competition I believe,” Lolesio said.

“We have tremendous depth at every position. Lenny’s (Ikitau) a huge player for us and hopefully he can be cleared but if not, we back the next person to slot in and step up.

“It’s something that we thrive on and everyone has to be ready, it’s a squad mentality.”

Brumbies will be appealing against the red card decision on Len Ikitau when they appear before a SANZAAR judicial committee ahead of their semi-final game against Auckland Blues.
Ikitau was sent-off for a high tackle on Hurricanes flyhalf Aidan Morgan in the 25th minute during the quarter-final game of the Super Rugby Pacific but despite the setback, Brumbies went on to win the knock out encounter 35-25.
With Morgan not leaving the field, Brumbies could be looking for defence in case the 23-year-old cops a ban.
"Following initial consideration by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee, Len Ikitau of the Brumbies will appear at a SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing after being red carded for alleged foul play during a Super Rugby Pacific quarter final match at the weekend," SANZAAR said in a statement.
"Ikitau is alleged to have contravened Law 9.13: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously, during the match between the Brumbies and Hurricanes at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday 4 June 2022."
Even though Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar said after the game that they could consider appealing against any suspension decision, fly-half Noah Lolesio expressed confidence that the squad has enough depth to overcome the loss in case the decision does not go in their favour.
“That’s our point of difference in this competition I believe,” Lolesio said.
“We have tremendous depth at every position. Lenny’s (Ikitau) a huge player for us and hopefully he can be cleared but if not, we back the next person to slot in and step up.
“It’s something that we thrive on and everyone has to be ready, it’s a squad mentality.”