Melbourne Rebels centre Ray Nu’u is set to miss the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season after receiving a four-week suspension — his second ban of the competition.
The 24-year-old was sent off in the final minute of the Rebels’ win over Moana Pasifika for a high shot on playmaker Christian Lealiifano.
A SANZAAR judicial committee found Nu’u guilty of a dangerous tackle and ruled him out of action for four weeks, up to and including May 29.
The judicial committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks but reduced it to four after taking into account Nu’u’s remorse and age.
“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,” a SANZAAR judicial statement read. “Taking into account mitigating factors, including the Player’s remorse, young age, and conduct at the hearing; the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension by two weeks.
Nu’u’s reduced ban may surprise some given he had already had a week shaved from his last suspension after undertaking World Rugby’s Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention
The Moana Pasifika match was his first back from a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle against the Force in Round 9.
With four rounds remaining, starting with the Blues on Friday night in Auckland, and the Rebels unlikely to play finals, Nu’a is set to see out the season from the stands.
In other judiciary news, Crusaders lock Hamish Dalzell has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle in the second half of their loss to the NSW Waratahs.
Dalzell was sent from the field late after he collected Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper high, only moments after he had already been the subject of another TMO review for a high tackle.
“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level,” SANZAAR’s judicial statement on Dalzell read.
“Taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s clean judicial record, his acceptance of foul play and his expressed remorse, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.”
As was the situation with Nu’u’s first suspension, Dalzell can complete the Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention which would allow the lock to return for the final two weeks of the regular season.