Seven week suspension for dangerous tip-tackle in U20 Six Nations

A week ago the verdict in the Ross Moriarty spear tackle case was heard, resulting in a seven week ban for the England Under 20 player. Some of you had requested to see the incident, which took place against Ireland U20, so here it is.

England’s Ross Moriarty was shown a straight red card in the U20 Six Nations match at Dubarry Park a few weeks back. Ireland won the game 16-15 thanks to a late try and conversion.

The visitors coped well despite the loss of Moriarty in the 23rd minute for his tackle on Ireland U20 skipper Luke McGrath. McGrath was dumped head first into the turf, but thankfully continued on.

Last week a Six Nations Disciplinary Committee deemed that the tackle was in the mid-range of severity, arriving at a sanction of eight weeks. They added two as a deterrent, but allowed for three weeks mitagation, arriving in the end at a seven-week suspension.

It is one of the worst looking tip-tackles, or spears, we’ve seen in recent times, but Moriarty showed remorse after the game, perhaps helping when it came to the disciplinary hearing.

“Really disappointed after tonight. Didn’t intend to hurt their player, apologised after the game. Congratulations to Ireland on their wim” he tweeted after the game.