Prop Aki Seiuli has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from his club’s EPCR Challenge Cup, Round of 16 match against the Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun.
Seiuli was sent off by the referee, Tual Trainini, in the 33rd minute of the match for carrying out a dangerous clear-out at a ruck on the Glasgow Warriors scrum half, George Horne, in contravention of Law 9.11. Law 9.11
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Rory Bannerman (Scotland), Chair, Tony Wheat (Ireland) and Piergiorgio della Porta (Italy), viewed footage of the incident and heard evidence from Seiuli, and also heard submissions from the Dragons RFC Head of Recruitment, Rob Burgess, as well as from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
The committee upheld the red card decision, finding that Seiuli had committed a reckless act of foul play. It then determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
Due to the player’s clear disciplinary record and his timely apology to Horne, the committee reduced the sanction by three weeks before imposing a three-week suspension.
If Seiuli applies for and successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday 24 April. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
