Western Force Super Rugby winger Chance Peni-Ataera has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle during a Super Rugby Match at the Weekend.
As usual with Sanzaar for the matter to be dispensed with at the hearing, Peni-Ataera plead had to please guilty and accept the penalty offered by the Foul Play Review Committee.
The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee accepted the guilty plea from of the Force for contravening Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent, after he was Cited
Peni-Ataera has been suspended from all forms of the game up to and including Saturday 29 July 2017.
The incident occurred in the 5th minute of the match between the Force and Rebels played at NIB Stadium in Perth on 7 July 2017.
The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), Stephen Hardy and John Langford assessed the case.
In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Nigel Hampton QC ruled the following:
“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles, as well as evidence from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Michael Tudori, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 10.4(e).”
“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s youth and inexperience in rugby, his clear Judicial record and the fact he pleaded guilty at the earliest available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.”
“The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including the Saturday 29 July 2017.”
All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the Foul Play Review Committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.
Foul Play Review Committee: Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), John Langford, Stephen Hardy
Player: Chance Peni-Ataera
Team: Force
Position: Wing
Date of Incident: 7 July 2017
Nature of Offence: Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent
Elapsed time in match when offence occurred: 5th minute
