Advertisement
Sara Tounesi. AAP/PA Images
suspended

Italy women's Rugby World Cup forward banned 12 weeks for biting

Tounesi will miss Italy’s quarter-final against France on 29 October.

ITALY SECOND-ROW forward Sara Tounesi was on Tuesday banned for 12 matches for biting an opponent in the women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Tounesi will miss this weekend’s quarter-final against France after being cited during the final pool match, a 21-8 victory against Japan on Sunday.

An independent judicial committee concluded that she had bitten the Japanese player, which is a red card offence under Law 9.12, and accordingly upheld the citing.

The law in question states:

“A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone.

“Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm, shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.”

The committee decided on a mid-range ban of 18 matches as punishment, but reduced it to 12 games having regard to mitigation.

Tounesi is suspended initially for Italy’s quarter-final against France on 29 October in Whangarei with the remaining matches to be determined once future playing schedules of Italy and the player are known.

– © AFP 2022

Your Voice
Readers Comments
4
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel