The Disciplinary process related to Henco van Wyk's citing in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship R8 game against Dragons RFC on Sunday, November 27 has resulted in a three-match suspension.
The Citing Commissioner in charge reported the Emirates Lions’ Player (No 13) for an act of foul play related to Law 9.20 – Dangerous play in a ruck or maul: (a). A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul. (b). A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.
The Citing Commissioner also referred to Law 9.11 – A player must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others including leading with the elbow or forearm.
The incident occurred in the 44th minute of the game when the Player came into contact with Dragons RFC No 4 (Joe Davies). The referee, Sam Grove-White (SRU) penalised the Player and showed him a yellow card.
The citing report was brought to a full Disciplinary Panel hearing on Friday, December 2. The panel comprised of Robert Milligan KC (Scotland), Chair and Gordon Black (Ireland).
On review of all evidence submitted the Panel concluded that the act of foul play did meet the red-card threshold but that it was reckless rather than intentional. A mid-range entry level for sanction was agreed upon leading to a suspension of six weeks.
Taking into account the Player’s clean disciplinary record, his remorse and acceptance of his actions the Panel allowed for maximum Mitigation of 50% to reduce the suspension to three weeks.
The Player is also eligible to participate in the World Rugby Coaching Intervention programme. Should he complete this successfully the suspension will be reduced by a further week to two weeks.
The Player was also reminded of his right to appeal.
Fixtures Henco van Wyk is unavailable for:
Emirates Lions v Scarlets, December 4 (Vodacom URC)
Emirates Lions v Dragons RFC, December 10 (EPCR Challenge Cup)
*Emirates Lions v Stade Francais, December 16 (EPCR Challenge Cup)
*Will not apply if Coaching Intervention Course completed
