Rey Lee-Lo receives three match ban

By Thomas Airey 27 September 2019, 3:57AM

Manu Samoa centre Rey Lee-Lo is set to miss the rest of the Rugby World Cup pool matches having received a three match ban for his dangerous high tackle against Russia on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old does have the right to appeal the decision made by the independent judicial committee, and has 48 hours from receiving the decision in writing to do so.

He appeared before an independent judicial committee in Tokyo on Thursday having been cited for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous high tackle).

The committee deemed that the incident was an act of foul play and warranted a red card in line with the high tackle sanction framework. In following the framework, the committee determined:

  • There was an act of foul play (which was reckless, rather than deliberate)
  • The act of foul play was a high tackle
  • There was contact with the head
  • There was a high degree of danger
  • The ball carrier changed height, but not sufficient to mitigate from a red card to a yellow card

Given the above outcomes, the committee determined that the act of foul play warranted a red card and applied World Rugby’s mandatory minimum mid-range entry point, which was introduced in 2017 to mitigate the risk of head injuries, carring a minimum six-match suspension.

Having acknowledged Lee-Lo’s disciplinary record, good character and conduct at the hearing, the committee reduced the six-match entry point by three matches, resulting in a sanction of three matches.

The centre would be available to play in the tournament knockout rounds should Samoa make it through Pool A.

Tags

Rugby union
Manu Samoa
Rugby World Cup
By Thomas Airey 27 September 2019, 3:57AM
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