ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

USA Women's winger Naya Tapper banned for alleged kick

BY Stephen Brunsdon  ·  Thursday Dec 1, 2016

USA ladies winger Naya Tapper has been suspended from the entire Dubai Sevens Tournament following a bizarre incident that took place during the Test against France last weekend. In seconds, Tapper somehow ended up taking out two French players.

It’s been a busy week for World Rugby’s citing commissioners of late, with a plethora of incidents, cards and suspensions from the various end-of-year internationals.

While some have been fairly clear cut – Elliot Daly’s sending off against Argentina and Will Skelton’s yellow for a charge versus Scotland – others have been more ambiguous, such as the yellow card and subsequent ban on USA women’s winger Tapper.

The incident itself was relatively innocuous as Tapper inadvertently struck French player Pauline Rayssac, unfortunately knocking the Montpellier flanker out cold. Tapper also appeared to make contact with full back Laura Delas who made the tackle.

The reaction from her team-mates and officials afterwards was highly commendable as it wasn’t clear how badly injured Rayssac was.

The incident as a whole was referred to the TMO to check for potential foul play. The clash with Rayssac was deemed accidental but the second strike on Delas prompted referee Rose La Breche to hand Tapper a yellow card.

In the disciplinary hearing that followed, Tapper denied that she committed an act of foul play.

Whether there was sufficient intent or not is unclear, but she subsequently copped a three week suspension for her actions – meaning she will miss the upcoming Dubai 7s tournament in which she was due to compete.

A World Rugby statement said: “Ms Tappar was therefore suspended from playing rugby for a total of three weeks. In light of Ms Tappar’s forthcoming playing schedule (including many matches in international Sevens tournaments), the Disciplinary Committee imposed a suspension covering the entirety of the forthcoming World Rugby’s Dubai Sevens tournament, and she will be free to play again as of 3 December 2016, when that tournament has been completed.”

France went on to win the match 31-6 in Montpellier.

Were Tappar’s actions intentional, or did the law come down harshly on her?

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban...

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations...

  • 43 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 6 HOURS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 1 WEEK AGO

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

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

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

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 DAYS AGO

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

  • 6 DAYS AGO

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

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

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

View All