ULSTER’S NICK WILLIAMS has been suspended from playing for eight weeks for striking Rhys Patchell during the province’s clash with the Cardiff Blues last weekend.
The ban follows news yesterday that centre Stuart Olding’s season is over, and this eight-week sentence also ends Williams’ campaign. However, the number eight does have the right of appeal.
Williams is free to resume playing on 1 September, 2015, as the suspension takes into account Ulster’s remaining games this season, as well as two warm-up fixtures scheduled for the beginning of next season.
The Pro12 disciplinary committee found that Williams’ offence was at the top end of World Rugby’s sanctions for this type of action, meaning a 16-week starting point for his suspension.
Law 10.4 (a) – Punching/striking. A player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee.
However, the committee reduced the ban by eight weeks from that entry point, “in the absence of any aggravating factors and in light of several mitigating factors, including the player’s exemplary previous playing record.”
Patchell received treatment on the pitch after the strike during Ulster’s 36-17 win over the Blues at Kingspan Stadium on Friday evening, before being stretchered off in a neck brace and spending a night in hospital as a precaution.
Williams was sin binned by referee Marius Mitrea as a result of his dangerous actions.
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