ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Wednesday Jan 29, 2020

Fijian lock gets heavy suspension after contesting red card for 'dangerously charging in to the ruck'

Northampton Saints second row Api Ratuniyarawa appeared before an independent disciplinary panel last night after he was red carded in the second half of his team’s clash with London Irish last Friday night.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Fijian Rugby World Cup 2019 forward was punished for dangerous play in a ruck or maul, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20.

The independent panel ruled that a four-week suspension was applicable, making him free to play again on Tuesday 10 March 2020.

Independent panel chair Charles Cuthbert said: “The player did not accept that he had committed an act of foul play by dangerously charging in to the ruck. He argued that he had bound on to the London Irish player. This was not accepted by the panel after reviewing the footage”

“The panel found it was a reckless action. While the panel were satisfied that there was no intent to cause injury, his shoulder did make contact to the face of the London Irish player who confirmed he suffered no injury as a result. The mandatory mid-range entry point applies where there is contact with the head and the panel found no factors to merit a top end entry point.

“The player was allowed mitigation for his clear disciplinary record over a long professional career at a high level. He apologised both and off-field to the London Irish player involved and his own team and is engaged in community activities and coaching. He was allowed 2 weeks in mitigation and is therefore suspended for 4 weeks.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The 4 week sanction covers Northampton Saints next 4 meaningful fixtures.”

What do you think of this latest suspension? Let us know as a comment below!

Comments




Related Articles

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Montage of HUGE hits and brilliant tries...

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Just Jonny Wilkinson smashing people

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    New Zealand Rugby Brawl



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 21 HOURS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 1 DAY AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    BREAKING: Owen Farrell to step away from England duties entirely

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Community mourning loss of 29-year-old rugby player Melita Williams

View All