Disciplinary decision: Tom Daly (red card)

The Red Card disciplinary process for Tom Daly of Connacht was heard by a Judicial Officer after he was sent off in the United Rugby Championship Round 14 game against Leinster on Saturday, March 26.

The Player received a Red Card in the second minute at The Sportsground under Law 9.13 – A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.

The Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process, Declan Goodwin (Wales) determined that the Player’s actions met the threshold of a Red Card and that the act of foul play warranted a sanction. Mr Goodwin determined the entry point be mid-range which carried a suspension of six (6) weeks. However, considering the Player accepted that the act of foul play warranted a Red Card, has a clean previous record, made an on-field apology to Ciaran Frawley (Leinster No.12) and the match officials and his exemplary behaviour during the process these considerations entitled him to full (50 per cent) mitigation.

The Player has been banned for a period of three games.

Fixtures Tom Daly is unavailable for:

Connacht v Benetton (April 2)

Connacht v Leinster (April 8)

Connacht v Leinster (April 15 – This may be replaced by World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme)