4 Games Suspension for van Vuuren

The Disciplinary process related to Conraad van Vuuren Red Card in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 12 game against DHL Stormers on Saturday, February 28 has resulted in a four game suspension.

After an act of foul play by player No 18 (Conraad van Vuuren), referee Christopher Allison showed the Player a Red Card in the 68th minute of the game under Law 9.13 – A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.

In the Player’s responses to the Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process (Sheriff Kathrine Mackie), he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a Red Card. Sheriff Mackie found that the incident met the Red Card threshold, with entry of mid-range warranting six weeks. The Player received two weeks mitigation due to acknowledgment of culpability, his apology and good conduct throughout the disciplinary process which results in a four game suspension.

*Should the Player complete the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme then the sanction will be reduced by one week.

Fixtures Conraad van Vuuren is unavailable for:

• Fidelity SecureDrive Lions v Edinburgh Rugby, Saturday March 21, Vodacom URC
• Fidelity SecureDrive Lions v Dragons RFC, Saturday March 28, Vodacom URC
• Fidelity SecureDrive Lions v Glasgow Warriors, Saturday April 18, Vodacom URC
• *Fidelity SecureDrive Lions v Connacht Rugby, Saturday April 25, Vodacom URC

LEVI DOUGLAS (RED CARD)

The Disciplinary process related to Levi Douglas Red Card in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 12 game against Benetton on Saturday, February 28 has resulted in the card being rescinded.

After an act of foul play by Dragons RFC player No 4 (Levi Douglas), referee Eoghan Cross showed the Player a Red Card in the 33rd minute of the game under Law 9.20d – Dangerous play in ruck or maul. A Player may remove the stealer/jackler from the tackle area by pushing/driving them backwards (including by grabbing the knee/leg), but must not roll, pull or twist the opponent.

The Panel overseeing the disciplinary process Jennifer Donovan (Chair), Mike Ross and Mark Curran (all Ireland) found that the actions of the Player did not amount to an offence contrary to Law 9.20d. The Red Card was thus rescinded.

As a result, the Player is now free to play and available for selection.