Ulster fullback Will Addison banned for 'reckless contact'

The Ulster Rugby fullback, Will Addison, has been suspended following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London.

The ban follows his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 2 match against ASM Clermont Auvergne at the Kingspan Stadium, in which he was carded for a dangerous tackle.

The four-week ban will see the Irish international sidelined for much of December.

Addison was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, John Byett, for tackling the Clermont second row, Paul Jedrasiak, in a dangerous manner in the 31st minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.13.

Law 9.13 Dangerous tackling

Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 relating to dangerous tackling carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.

An independent Disciplinary Committee heard submissions and evidence from Addison, who did not accept the citing complaint, from the Ulster Rugby Chief Executive, Jonny Petrie, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

The Committee upheld the citing complaint finding that Addison had made reckless contact with Jedrasiak’s head in attempting the tackle, and as dangerous tackles of this nature carry a mandatory mid-range sanction according to World Rugby’s regulations, six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

Due to the player’s clear disciplinary record, the Committee reduced the sanction by two weeks before imposing a four-week suspension.

Addison is free to play on Monday, 23 December 2019, and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

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