The Hollywoodbets Sharks fullback, Hakeem Kunene (No 15), has been suspended for three weeks following the decision of an independent Disciplinary Committee arising from the Investec Champions Cup Round 4 match between Union Bordeaux-Bègles and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Stade Chaban-Delmas on Sunday, 19 January.
Kunene was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Tim Lowry (Ireland), for a dangerous tackle on the Union Bordeaux-Bègles wing, Arthur Retière (No 11), in the 12th minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.13.
Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction entry points: Low-end – 2 weeks/matches; Mid-range – 6 weeks/matches; Top-end 10-52 weeks/matches
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Gareth Graham (England, Chair), Donal Courtney (Ireland) and John Kirk (Scotland) heard the case by video conference on Wednesday, 22 January.
Kunene accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
The Committee determined that Kunene had committed an act of foul play that did warrant a red card and accordingly upheld the citing. It was then decided that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions, and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
Taking into account the player’s acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play, his good disciplinary record and his full cooperation with the disciplinary process, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by a maximum of 50% before imposing a three-week suspension.
Due to his club’s upcoming fixtures and his current injury status, Kunene will be free to play on Monday, 10 March. However, if he applies for and successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday, 3 March.
Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.