Wasps flanker James Haskell has been suspended for four weeks following an independent Disciplinary hearing in London on Wednesday.
Haskell was sent-off by match referee, Romain Poite (France), for tackling Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts dangerously in the 76th minute of their Champions Cup match in contravention of Law 9.13.
Law 9.13 Dangerous tackling
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-Range: 6 weeks; Top End: 10 to 104 weeks.
“An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Jennifer Donovan (Ireland), Chair, Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Becky Essex (England), heard evidence and submissions from Haskell, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from legal representative, Richard Smith QC, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan. The Wasps Head of Recruitment, Kevin Harman, was also present,” read an EPCR statement.
“The Committee upheld the red card decision and as the tackle made contact with the head of the opposing player, it was obliged to find that the offence was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was therefore selected as the appropriate entry point.
“Taking into account the player’s good disciplinary record, his guilty plea and early expression of remorse, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by two weeks before imposing a suspension of four weeks.”
Haskell is free to play on Monday, 12 February, and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
This suspension rules the back-row out of selection for England’s opening Six Nations games, against Italy and Wales.
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