Disciplinary: Len Ikitau

Hearing Details (date, time and venue): Tuesday 7 June, 6:00pm(AEST), 8:00pm(NZST) via video-conference
Judicial Committee Chair: Stephen Hardy
Judicial Committee Members: De Wet Barry & Chris Smith
Player: Len Ikitau
Team: Brumbies
Position: Centre 
Date of Incident: Saturday, 4 June 2022
Nature of Offence: Law 9.13 – A player must not tackle an opponent early late or dangerously.
Time of the Offence: 22:00
 
SANZAAR NEWS RELEASE
 
Len Ikitau suspended for three weeks
 

A SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing has found Len Ikitau of the Brumbies guilty of contravening Law 9.13 - A player must not tackle an opponent early late or dangerously, after he was issued with a Red Card during a Super Rugby Pacific match at the weekend.
 
Ikitau has been suspended for 3 matches, with the date to be determined pending the confirmation of the Player’s schedule.
 
The incident occurred in the Super Rugby Pacific Quarter final match between the Brumbies and Hurricanes at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday, 4 June 2022.
 
The SANZAAR Judicial Hearing held via video conference on Tuesday 7 June, 6:00 pm (AEST), 8:00 pm (NZST) was heard by Stephen Hardy (Chair), De Wet Barry and Chris Smith.
 
In his finding, the Judicial Committee Chair Stephen Hardy ruled the following: 

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Judicial Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.13." 

"With respect to sanction, the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 matches given the nature of the foul play involving contact with the head.  Taking into account mitigating factors, including the Player’s remorse, exemplary judicial record to date, and conduct during the hearing, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension by three matches.
 
"The Player sought permission to apply for the Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention. Any player who has a citing or red card upheld by a disciplinary panel for foul play involving the Head Contact Process may apply to have the final match of their sanction substituted by undertaking a coaching intervention that specifically addresses the technical tackle/contact technique-error that caused or contributed to the foul play. The Player was granted permission to apply for the Intervention. This intervention will be overseen by the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Expert Review Panel – a panel of expert independent coaches - and is only be available to first time offenders."

"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks. The Judicial Committee has sought more feedback from the Player regarding his potential playing schedule and reserves the right to adjust the date of the sanction upon receipt of the information."