Max Douglas handed two-match ban after red card

Scarlets forward Max Douglas has been handed a two-game suspension following a disciplinary hearing related to his red card in the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 9 match against Dragons RFC.

The incident occurred during the game played on January 1, when Douglas was sent off in the 40th minute.

Referee Ben Connor issued a red card after ruling that Douglas committed foul play under Law 9.20(b), which relates to dangerous play in a ruck or maul involving contact above the line of the shoulders.

During the disciplinary process, Douglas accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. The case was reviewed by Judicial Officer Rose Alice Murphy, who concluded that the incident met the red card threshold.

The offence was assessed as mid-range in seriousness, carrying an entry point sanction of four weeks.

However, Douglas received a 50 percent reduction in sanction due to his previously good disciplinary record and his exemplary conduct throughout the hearing. This mitigation resulted in the suspension being reduced to two matches.

The ruling also confirmed that Douglas may further reduce his suspension by one additional week if he successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme. This programme is designed to address player behaviour and promote safer playing techniques.