Disciplinary decision: Ray Nu’u

Hearing Details (date, time and venue): Wednesday 12 April, 5:00pm(AEST), 7:00pm(NZST) via video-conference
Judicial Committee Chair: Helen Morgan
Judicial Committee Members: Mike Mika & De Wet Barry
Player: Ray Nu’u
Team: Melbourne Rebels
Position: Centre 
Date of Incident: 8 April 2022
Nature of Offence: Law 9.13 – A player must not tackle an opponent early late or dangerously.

SANZAAR NEWS RELEASE

Ray Nu’u suspended for three weeks

A SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing has found Ray Nu’u of the Melbourne Rebels 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.

Nu’u has been suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including 30 April 2022.

The incident occurred in the match between the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels at HBF Park in Perth on Friday 8 April 2022.

The SANZAAR Judicial Hearing held via video conference on Tuesday 12 April, 5:00pm(AEST), 7:00pm(NZST) was heard by Helen Morgan (Chair), Mike Mika and De Wet Barry.

In her finding, the Judicial Committee Chair Helen Morgan 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, Tim North QC, 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 weeks due to the World Rugby directive that mandates that any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range entry level. Taking into account mitigating factors, including the Player’s good judicial record, expressed remorse, and young age; the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension by three weeks.

 
"The Player was informed of his ability 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 week 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. 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, up to and including 30 April 2022."