The Queensland Reds' forward stocks have taken a blow with prop Sef Fa'agase suspended for three weeks for a high tackle.
The incident happened during their narrow win over the Fijian Drua, with the replacement prop collecting winger Eroni Sau off a set move from a lineout in the 55th minute.
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Initially, the tackle did not raise the ire of referee Reuben Keane, however, was picked up after the game and increased to a red card threshold.
Fa'agase faced the Foul Play Review Committee overnight, who deemed the incident a mid-range offence, earning a three-week ban.
"Having conducted a thorough review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including the player and submissions from his legal representative, Mark Martin KC, the Foul Play Review Committee determined the incident met the Red Card threshold and upheld the Citing in accordance with Law 9.13," Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) Chairman Michael Heron KC ruled.
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee considered the act of foul play was reckless, high in danger and had a considerable impact on the victim player. As part of the World Rugby Head Contact Process, the FPRC considered all relevant factors and determined that the foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks.
"The Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks based on mitigating factors, including the Player's judicial record and his acceptance of guilt at the first opportunity."
"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including 7 April 2023."
Fa'agase had featured in every game of 2023 for the Reds, with Taniela Tupou and Harry Hoopert on the sidelines with long-term injuries.
He will miss the next three weeks, including a clash with old side Melbourne Rebels after making the move midway through the 2022 season.
Fellow front-rower Dane Zander admits the Reds need to step up their performance after a shaky victory over the Drua ahead of Saturday's clash.
“A win’s a win but we weren’t too happy with that performance,” he said.
“I felt like we let the Drua back into that game in that last 30 minutes and went away from our gameplan.
“It’s a focus to ice those moments and have a good impact in the second half.”
