ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Fijian lock gets heavy suspension after contesting red card for 'dangerously charging in to the ruck'

BY Grant Constable  ·  Wednesday Jan 29, 2020

Northampton Saints second row Api Ratuniyarawa appeared before an independent disciplinary panel last night after he was red carded in the second half of his team’s clash with London Irish last Friday night.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Fijian Rugby World Cup 2019 forward was punished for dangerous play in a ruck or maul, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20.

The independent panel ruled that a four-week suspension was applicable, making him free to play again on Tuesday 10 March 2020.

Independent panel chair Charles Cuthbert said: “The player did not accept that he had committed an act of foul play by dangerously charging in to the ruck. He argued that he had bound on to the London Irish player. This was not accepted by the panel after reviewing the footage”

“The panel found it was a reckless action. While the panel were satisfied that there was no intent to cause injury, his shoulder did make contact to the face of the London Irish player who confirmed he suffered no injury as a result. The mandatory mid-range entry point applies where there is contact with the head and the panel found no factors to merit a top end entry point.

“The player was allowed mitigation for his clear disciplinary record over a long professional career at a high level. He apologised both and off-field to the London Irish player involved and his own team and is engaged in community activities and coaching. He was allowed 2 weeks in mitigation and is therefore suspended for 4 weeks.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The 4 week sanction covers Northampton Saints next 4 meaningful fixtures.”

What do you think of this latest suspension? Let us know as a comment below!

Related Articles

  • 38 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban...

  • 48 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations...

  • 49 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 9 HOURS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok star scores screamer on debut for Sagamihara Dynaboars

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Bears fly as 100 metre finish already touted as try of the season

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Hassell-Collins pounces on HUGE Sharks mistake in chaotic scenes

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 9 HOURS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

View All

Amateur

  • 9 HOURS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 104 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 104 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 127 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 127 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

View All

Player Features

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

View All