Three-week ban for Wallaby Cooper

Quade Cooper has been given a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle during Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby hammering at Lions on Saturday.

The Australia fly-half was shown a red card early in the second half after catching Rohan Janse van Rensburg when the centre went over for a try at Emirates Airlines Park.

Cooper, who returned to his homeland this season after a spell with Toulon, pleaded guilty and will now miss the matches with Jaguares, Hurricanes and Brumbies.

The SANZAAR Judicial Committee’s verdict was: “Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Mark Martin QC, the Judicial Committee accepted the guilty plea of the player under Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent.

“With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks.

“However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s admission of guilt, his remorse and the fact that the player had a good disciplinary record having not come under notice since 2012, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.

“The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including Saturday 8 April 2017.”