Josaia Raisuqe Receives Lenghthy Ban For CJ Stander Eye Gouge

Stade Francais Paris Josaia Raisuqe, has been suspended for 15 weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Paris today (Wednesday, 13 January 2016) arising from the European Rugby Champions Cup rescheduled Round 2 match against Munster Rugby on Saturday, 9 January 2016.

Raisuqe was sent off by referee, Nigel Owens (Wales), in the 41st minute of the match at Stade Jean Bouin for making contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area of the Munster Rugby No 8, CJ Stander, in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).

Law 10.4 (m) Contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (m), Contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 12 weeks; Mid-Range: 18 weeks; Top End: 24 to 208 weeks.

The independent Judicial Officer, Simon Thomas (Wales), heard evidence and submissions from Raisuqe, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from the Stade Francais Paris Chief Executive, Pierre Arnald, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

In upholding the red card decision, the Judicial Officer found that Raisuqe had committed an intentional act of foul play. He determined that that offence was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected 18 weeks as the appropriate entry point.

He added three weeks as a deterrent according to World Rugby’s memorandum regarding offences of this nature, before reducing the sanction by one third of the entry point (ie. six weeks) due to Raisuqe’s guilty plea, good conduct at the hearing, expression of remorse and youth and inexperience. He then imposed a suspension of 15 weeks.

Raisuqe is free to play on Monday, 9 May 2016. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.