Juan Imhoff suspended for five weeks

Racing 92 full back, Juan Imhoff, has been suspended for five weeks following an independent Disciplinary hearing arising from his club's Champions Cup, Round 4 match against Castres Olympique at Stade Yves-du-Manoir.

Imhoff was sent off by match referee, Wayne Barnes, for a strike with the head to the head of the Castres Olympique scrum half, Rory Kockott, in the 64th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).

An independent Disciplinary Committee heard evidence and submissions from Imhoff, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from the player's legal representative, Francois Berbinau, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan. 
 
The Committee upheld the red card decision and found that the offence was at the mid-range of World Rugby's sanctions and selected 10 weeks as the appropriate entry point.

There were no aggravating factors and the Committee reduced the sanction by the maximum of 50 per cent due to the player's guilty plea and clear disciplinary record before imposing a suspension of five weeks.

Imhoff is free to play on 22 January 2018, and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.