BACKING UP ALAIN Rolland’s decision to issue a red card, Wales captain Sam Warburton has been banned for three weeks after admitting to a ‘dangerous tip tackle’ during Saturday’s semi-final loss to France.
A statement from the IRB read: “Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all broadcast angles and additional evidence from the Player, Warren Gatland and submissions from his legal representative Aaron Lloyd, the Independent Judicial Officer, Christopher Quinlan QC (England), determined the ordering off to be appropriate in Law and the action in line with IRB directives to Unions, Teams and Match Officials.”
The Judicial Officer decided that the offence was in the mid range – which has an entry point of six weeks – but taking into account the player’s admission, character, record and remorse, the final sentence was cut in half.
Warburton has 48 hours to appeal the decision and will be able to resume playing on November 7th – meaning he will miss his country’s third-place play-off against Australia.
“I am naturally disappointed with the outcome, but now my job is to focus entirely on supporting the boys in their preparations for Friday’s match,” Warburton said in a WRU statement.