Owen Farrell Suspended By EPCR

Owen Farrell, has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London today.

Farrell was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Stefano Marrama (Italy), for an alleged dangerous tackle on the Wasps scrum-half, Dan Robson (No 9), in the 51st minute of the Saracens v Wasps European Rugby Champions Cup semi-final at the Madejski Stadium in contravention of Law 10.4 (e).

Law 10.4 (e) Dangerous tackling of an opponent
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (e), carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-Range: 6 weeks; Top End: 10 to 52 weeks

A Disciplinary Committee consisting of Simon Thomas (Wales), Chairman, Pat Barriscale (Ireland) and Antony Davies (England) heard evidence and submissions from Farrell, who did not accept that he committed an act of foul play, from Richard Smith QC, from England Defence Coach, Paul Gustard, and from Saracens Director of Rugby, Mark McCall.

The Committee also heard evidence and submissions from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
In upholding the citing complaint, the Committee found that Farrell had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. It determined that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point.

The Committee added one week to the sanction as a deterrent in line with World Rugby’s memoranda regarding dangerous tackles, and then reduced the sanction by one week due to the player’s clean disciplinary record, good character and excellent conduct at the hearing, before imposing a suspension of two weeks.

Farrell is free to play on Monday, 9 May and will not miss the Champions Cup final. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision. [EPCR]