The Northampton Saints flanker, Tom Wood, has been suspended for six weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London arising from his club's Champions Cup Play-off final against Stade Français at Franklin's Gardens.
Wood was sent off by referee, John Lacey (Ireland), for stamping on the Stade Français full-back, Djibril Camara, in the 63rd minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (b).
Law 10.4 (b) Stamping or Trampling
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (b), Stamping or trampling on an opponent, carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-Range: 6 weeks; Top End: 12 to 52 weeks.
An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of David Martin (Ireland) Chairman, Andrea Caranci (Italy) and Roddy Dunlop QC (Scotland) heard submissions from Wood, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from the Northampton Saints legal representative, Richard Smith QC, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
The Committee upheld the red card decision and found that Wood's stamp resulted in reckless contact with Camara's head. The Committee then decided that the offence was at the top end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected 12 weeks as the appropriate entry point.
Taking into account Wood's guilty plea, expression of remorse and good disciplinary record, the Committee reduced the sanction by the maximum of 50 percent before imposing a six-week suspension.
Wood's period of suspension will include England's tour of Argentina and Northampton Saints' warm-up matches in advance of the 2017/18 season. He is therefore free to play on Monday, August 28. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
Rory Hutchinson suspended for two weeks
The Northampton Saints replacement centre, Rory Hutchinson, has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London.
Hutchinson was cited by the match citing commissioner, Peter Ferguson (Ireland), for tackling the Stade Francais Paris scrum-half, Will Genia, while Genia was jumping for the ball in the 61st minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (i).
Law 10.4 (i) Tackling an opponent jumping for the ball
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (i), Tackling an opponent jumping for the ball in open play, carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 8 weeks; Top end: 12 to 52 weeks.
An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of David Martin (Ireland) Chairman, Andrea Caranci (Italy) and Roddy Dunlop QC (Scotland), heard submissions from Hutchinson, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from the Northampton Saints legal representative, Richard Smith QC, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
In upholding the citing complaint, the Committee determined that the tackle was dangerous and that it warranted a red card. The Committee then decided that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point.
Taking into account Hutchinson's guilty plea, his clean disciplinary record and his youth and inexperience, the Committee reduced the sanction by the maximum of 50 percent before imposing a two-week suspension.
As Northampton Saints have no matches in the coming weeks, Hutchinson will not be eligible for the Premiership Rugby 7s on July 28 and 29, and will be free to play on Monday, July 31. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
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