Leicester's Kalamafoni picks up ban for striking

Sione Kalamafoni has been punished for his red card picked up in Leicester’s 32-5 defeat at Sale last weekend.

The struggling Tigers fell to pieces after Sione Kalamafoni was sent off in the second half for striking Sale Sharks’ Josh Beaumont.

Kalamafoni was given his marching orders for what was adjudged to be a dangerous clearout with Sale capitalising with three tries in the aftermath, for Beaumont, Faf de Klerk and a penalty try.

Kalamfoni accepted the charge and has now been given a three-week ban.

In a statement the RFU said: “Kalamafoni accepted the charge against him following his red card in the 56th minute of the match Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers on Friday 8 March 2019. Referee Matthew Carley sent off Kalamafoni for striking Sale Sharks’ Josh Beaumont, contrary to Law 9.12.

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“John Brennan sitting as sole judicial officer dealt with the case on papers in agreement with the club and the Rugby Football Union. Kalamafoni is free to play again on 16 April 2019 taking into account Leicester Tigers’ upcoming fixtures.

John Brennan said: “The player accepted that in attempting to clear the opposition player from the ruck, he had struck him making direct contact with his head. As such, the mandatory six week mid-range entry point was applied.

“There were no aggravating features and the player accepted the charge at the earliest opportunity, assisted the process and the judicial officer by providing details as requested, is of good character and showed remorse for his actions. He was therefore entitled to full mitigation.”

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