Racing 92 full-back Juan Imhoff has been suspended for five weeks following an independent Disciplinary hearing in London on Wednesday.
He citing arose from his club's Champions Cup, Round 4 match against Castres Olympique at Stade Yves-du-Manoir.
Imhoff was sent off by match referee, Wayne Barnes (England), for a strike with the head to the head of the Castres Olympique scrum-half, Rory Kockott, in the 64th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).
Law 10.4 (a) Striking with the head
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (a) carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 4 weeks; Mid-Range: 10 weeks; Top End: 16 to 104 weeks.
An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Gareth Graham (England), Chairman, Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Leon Lloyd (England) heard evidence and submissions from Imhoff, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from the player's legal representative, Francois Berbinau, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan. The Racing 92 Chief Executive, Julien Albinet, also attended.
The Committee upheld the red card decision and found that the offence was at the mid-range of World Rugby's sanctions and selected 10 weeks as the appropriate entry point.
There were no aggravating factors and the Committee reduced the sanction by the maximum of 50 per cent due to the player's guilty plea and clear disciplinary record before imposing a suspension of five weeks.
Imhoff is free to play on 22 January 2018, and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
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