Hunter Paisami banned for three Super Rugby matches

Queensland Reds centre Hunter Paisami has been handed a three-match suspension following a dangerous tackle in his side’s 56-36 victory over Moana Pasifika last Friday in Brisbane.

Paisami was cited for an incident involving Moana Pasifika’s Lalomilo Lalomilo, but was not penalised during the match after the TMO ruled that mitigating factors, including a significant drop in body height, influenced the contact.

However, after a review by the Super Rugby Pacific Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC), the 26-year-old was found guilty of breaching Law 9.13, which prohibits dangerous tackles.

The FPRC initially considered a mid-range six-match suspension as appropriate but opted for a 50% reduction, considering Paisami’s acceptance of the foul play charge and his exemplary disciplinary record.

As a result, he will miss three matches but has been granted permission to apply for World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Program, which could reduce his ban by one game if successfully completed.

Paisami is set to be absent from crucial Reds fixtures against the Western Force, Crusaders, and NSW Waratahs, a significant blow for the Queensland side as they navigate the early rounds of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Meanwhile, Highlanders replacement Daniel Lienert-Brown will face a judicial committee hearing on Tuesday night after receiving a red card for dangerous ruck play in his team’s 29-21 victory over the defending champion Blues.