Billy Meakes cited for dangerous tackle

Melbourne Rebels centre Billy Meakes faces a possible Super Rugby suspension after he was cited for a dangerous tackle against the Sunwolves on Saturday. 

Meakes will face a SANZAAR judiciary hearing committee after being cited for the tackle on Sunwolves centre Jason Emery in the 66th minute of the Rebels’ 42-15 win over the Japanese outfit in Melbourne.

Emery had just put boot to ball as the Sunwolves tried to exit their defensive zone when Meakes floored him with a tackle.

Meakes wasn’t penalised at the time but the incident was deemed serious enough for a hearing and the verdict will be considered by De Wet Barry, Chris Smith and a chairperson yet to be confirmed.

The 27-year-old has been cited under Law 9.13: “A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.”

The Rebels take on the Stormers on Friday night as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Australian Conference.