Italy Hooker Hame Faiva appeared before an independent judicial committee via video link having received a red card for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously) in the Guinness Six Nations match Ireland v Italy on 27 February 2022.
The independent Judicial Committee consisting of Simon Thomas – Chair (Wales), Frank Hadden (Scotland) and Lawrence Sephaka (South Africa) heard the case, considering all the available evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives.
The player denied that he had committed an act of foul play worthy of a red card. Having reviewed all the evidence, the Committee deemed that: The player had acted recklessly by committing a high and dangerous tackle whereby his shoulder had made direct contact with the neck of an opponent with significant force. This had been correctly sanctioned on field by the match referee following World Rugby’s Head Contact Process.
On that basis, the Committee applied World Rugby’s mandatory minimum mid-range entry point for foul play resulting in contact with the head. This resulted in a starting point of a six-week suspension.
As a result, Italy fans have been left frustrated by inconsistent refereeing as Ryan Baird escaped punishment for a similar challenge that earlier saw the Azzurri hooker sent off.
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#1. Finn Russell (Scotland)
Rugby Pass 5/10: “An erratic display, not for the first time. His aimless kick allowed Dupont space for the opening French try. A dropped ball as Scotland attack and bounced by Danty in the build-up to the visitors’ third score. On the back foot for the second half and hooked after an hour.”