Hefty suspensions for Esterhuizen and Obano

Harlequins centre André Esterhuizen and Bath prop Beno Obano appeared before an online independent disciplinary panel last night (Tuesday 27 April 2021).

Esterhuizen was shown a red card by referee Matthew Carley in the 48th minute of the match between London Irish and Harlequins on Saturday 24 April 2021. This was for striking with the elbow, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.12. He contested the charge but it was upheld by the independent disciplinary panel comprising Jeremy Summers (chair) with Rob Vickerman and Becky Essex who gave the player a six-week suspension.

To read the full André Esterhuizen hearing judgment click here.

Beno Obano was shown a red card by referee Ian Tempest in the 73rd minute of the match between Wasps and Bath Rugby on Sunday 25 April 2021. This was for dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13.

He accepted the charge and was given a five-week suspension by the independent disciplinary panel of Summers (chair), Vickerman and Essex. Obano is free to play again on 8 June 2021 at the latest, subject to Bath Rugby's upcoming fixtures (further details in notes to editors below).

To read the full Beno Obano hearing judgment click here.

André Esterhuizen will miss the following Premiership Rugby matches:

9 May - Harlequins v Wasps
14/15/16 May - Leicester Tigers v Harlequins
29 May - Harlequins v Bath Rugby
4 June - Sale Sharks v Harlequins
12 June - Harlequins v Newcastle Falcons
Plus one other match TBC once fixture list known.

Beno Obano will miss the following matches:

1 May - European Rugby Challenge Cup semi-final: Bath Rugby v Montpellier Hérault Rugby
8 May - Gallagher Premiership Rugby: Bath Rugby v Bristol Bears
14/15/16 May - Gallagher Premiership Rugby: Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks
21/22 May – European Rugby Challenge Cup Final*
29 May - Gallagher Premiership Rugby: Harlequins v Bath Rugby
5 June - Gallagher Premiership Rugby: Gloucester Rugby v Bath Rugby**
*Subject to outcome of the European Rugby Challenge Cup semi-final on 1 May.

** To be included if Bath Rugby don’t make the European Rugby Challenge Cup Final