Sharks winger Makazole Mapimpi to face disciplinary hearing

Sharks winger Makazole Mapimpi has been cited following an incident in the recently concluded Heineken Champions Cup game against Bordeaux Begles.

Mapimpi was cited by citing commissioner Brian Campsall for making contact with Maxime Lucu’s eye in the 36th minute of the game.

His act was found to be a breach of World Rugby Law 9.12 that deals with "A player must not physically abuse anyone Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 relating to contact with the eye or eye area".

“EPCR has received a citing complaint against the Cell C Sharks wing, Makazole Mapimpi (No 11), arising from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 match against Union Bordeaux-Bègles on Saturday, 14 January 2023.

“Mapimpi is alleged to have made contact with the eye or eye area of the Union Bordeaux-Bègles scrum half, Maxime Lucu (No 9), in the 36th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.12.

“Antony Davies (England), Chair, Leon Lloyd (England) and Donal Courtney (Ireland) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference on Wednesday (18 January)."

If proved guilty, a low-range sanction would see him banned for four weeks while mid and top range will see a suspension of eight and 12 to 52 weeks respectively.

Meanwhile, Sale Sharks second row Cobus Wiese will be facing disciplinary hearing for a dangerous tackle on Stade Toulousain prop Dorian Aldegheri.