The Queensland Reds have received a further blow with backrower Tuaina Taii Taulima handed a three-match ban for his dangerous cleanout against the Brumbies.
Taulima become the second Red in two weeks to be sent off after collecting James Slipper in the head with his shoulder.
He received the same fate as prop Dane Zander, suspended for three games, with the potential for it to be reduced to two if he applies for the Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention.
"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Mark Martin QC, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.20," Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Michael Heron QC ruled.
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level. Taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's clean judicial record, his acceptance of foul play and his expressed remorse, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.
"The Player was informed of his ability to apply for the Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention. Any player who has a citing or red card upheld by a disciplinary panel for foul play involving the Head Contact Process may apply to have the final week of their sanction substituted by undertaking a coaching intervention that specifically addresses the technical tackle/contact technique-error that caused or contributed to the foul play. This intervention will be overseen by the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Expert Review Panel – a panel of expert independent coaches - and is only be available to first time offenders.
"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including 29 April 2022.”
Taulima's suspension is a major blow for the Reds, with the backrower originally elevated to the starting side after an injury to Liam Wright during the warm-up.
He joins Seru Uru (ankle) on the sidelines, with Taulima expected to be back after Super Round.
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua captain Nemani Nagusa will miss the next month after his high tackle on Tane Edmed during their defeat to the Waratahs.
Nagusa's incident was deemed to be mid-range, however, the Judiciary opted to add another week as a 'deterrent' for direct contact with the head and/or neck.
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level," Heron added.
"Taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's good judicial record over a long career, his acceptance of foul play and his expressed remorse, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension by three weeks.
"The Foul Play Review Committee was of the opinion the Players actions, namely direct contact with the arm to the head/neck, was a particularly dangerous action that needs to receive a deterrent penalty.
"All Players should be aware of this via World Rugby's Head Contact Process and the need to remove this pattern of offending from the game. As such the Foul Play Review Committee added an additional week as a deterrent to this conduct."
