Waratahs centre Izaia Perese handed three-week ban
Izaia Perese was red-carded in the 37th minute
©PA
Waratahs centre Izaia Perese has been handed a three-week ban following his red-card incident during the opening round of the Super Rugby AU game against Reds.
The 23-year-old was sent-off in the 37th minute during the encounter at Suncorp Stadium for a dangerous and illegal tip tackle on Hunter Paisami and his absence proved decisive as Reds completed a 41-7 victory.
Perese appeared before a SANZAAR foul play review committee and pleaded guilty to the charge.
His offence warranted an initial low-entry sanction of six weeks that was reduced by half taking into account his guilty plea, conduct during hearing and other mitigating factors.
"The Foul Play Review Committee, having conducted a detailed review of all of the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, determined that the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of 6 weeks," a SANZAAR release read.
"This was primarily due to the reckless rather than intentional nature of the action which ultimately placed Perese's opponent in a vulnerable position but which did not cause an injury to the opponent.
"When taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's clean judicial record and the fact the Player pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced his suspension to 3 weeks."
Waratahs will lock horns with Brumbies in the second round on 27th February at GIO Stadium.
