James Ramm suspended for two matches

Northampton Saints winger James Ramm has been suspended for two matches following an independent disciplinary hearing.

The decision relates to the red card he received during Saints’ opening Investec Champions Cup match against Section Paloise last weekend.

Ramm was shown a 20-minute red card in the 48th minute after challenging an opponent in the air. Match officials ruled that he made contact while the opponent was airborne, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.17, which penalises dangerous play involving a player in the air.

At the hearing, Ramm accepted that his actions warranted a red card. The disciplinary panel concluded that the offence was reckless rather than intentional and upheld the decision.

The committee assessed the incident at the low end of the sanction scale, setting a four-week suspension as the starting point. This was then reduced by 50% due to Ramm’s clean disciplinary record, his early acceptance of the charge, and his apology to the affected player, Thomas Jolmes.

Ramm will now miss Northampton’s next two fixtures:

– 14 December: Vodacom Bulls (Investec Champions Cup)
– 20 December: Sale Sharks (Gallagher PREM)