Wallabies star slapped with lengthy Super Rugby ban

Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has been hit with a six week ban for a dangerous play in his side’s tight 31-30 win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday.

The Wallabies rake pleaded guilty for dangerous play in the 79th minute of that match, which left opposition loose forward Ed Quirk with an injured knee.

The ban means Latu will not be available for selection for New South Wales until April 27, when his side hosts the Sharks in Sydney.

“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, Hugh Sommerville, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.20a,” SANZAAR’s Adam Casselden said.

“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a top-end entry point of 10 weeks due to the vulnerability of the victim, the gravity of the offence and the extent of the injury caused to the victim.

“However, taking into account mitigating factors including Player’s expressed remorse, the fact his most recent Judicial offence was 3 years ago and the player’s guilty plea at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 6 weeks.

“The player is therefore suspended for 6 weeks, up to and including Saturday 20 April 2019.”

Damian Fitzpatrick will be expected to fill the starting hooker role for the Waratahs in Latu’s absence, but the latter’s World Cup chances may have taken a significant blow as a result of his growing disciplinary record.

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