|
Super Rugby
O'Connor handed one-week ban
ESPNscrum Staff
June 12, 2011
O'Connor will miss the Force's final outing of the Super Rugby season
© Getty Images
Enlarge
Western Force back James O'Connor will miss the club's final match of the season against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night after being suspended at a SANZAR hearing on Sunday morning. O'Connor was found guilty of dangerous play after being cited under Foul Play Law 10.4 (j) for the dangerous lifting and dropping of Reds captain James Horwill. The incident took place in the opening half of the club's Super Rugby match at nib Stadium on Saturday evening and O'Connor was cited by video following the game. After a hearing, SANZAR Judicial Officer, Michael Cashman found the offence proved and categorised it at the low end of seriousness. Taking account of mitigating factors and noting the absence of any aggravating features, he reduced the sanction of three weeks to a one week suspension. This is the first time O'Connor has appeared before a SANZAR tribunal in his 38 match Super Rugby career and the Force will not appeal the sanction. In other disciplinary news, Lions fly-half Butch James will face a SANZAR judicial hearing after being cited for alleged foul play during their match against the Sharks. James has been cited under Law 10.4 (e) for a dangerous tackle on Sharks flanker Keegan Daniel. He received a yellow card for the offence. The outcome of the hearing will be announced on Monday. © ESPN EMEA Ltd
|