Hanno Dirksen, has been suspended for one week following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London today arising from the Champions Cup, Round 3 match against Northampton Saints.
Dirksen was sent off by match referee, Alexandre Ruiz (France), for a dangerous tackle on the Northampton Saints replacement, Juan Pablo Estelles (No 23), in the 78th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (e).
Law 10.4 (e) Dangerous tackling of an opponent
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (e) carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-Range: 6 weeks; Top End: 10 to 52 weeks.
An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Pamela Woodman (Scotland), Chairman, Daniel White (England) and Donal Courtney (Ireland), heard evidence and submissions from Dirksen, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from the Ospreys' Recruitment Manager, Andy Lloyd, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
The Committee upheld the red card decision and found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point.
The Committee reduced the sanction by the maximum of 50% due to the player's guilty plea and clear disciplinary record before imposing a suspension of one week.
Dirksen is free to play on 18 December, and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
