Damian McKenzie suspended for three weeks

David Skippers

Chiefs utility back Damian McKenzie has received a three-week suspension for an illegal tackle during last weekend’s Super Rugby Trans-Tasman clash with the Reds in Townsville.

McKenzie has been suspended from all forms of the game up to and including June 19.

The incident occurred in the 21st minute of the Round Three encounter at QLD Country Bank Stadium on May 29.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Adam Casselden (chairman), Mike Mika and Stefan Terblanche assessed the case.

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In his finding, Casselden ruled the following:

“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.13.

“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level.

“However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s good judicial record and pleading guilty at his first available opportunity the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to three weeks.

“The player is therefore suspended from all forms of the game up to and including 19 June 2021. This includes the Chiefs’ fixtures against the Rebels, Waratahs and a possible final on 19 June.”

All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the Foul Play Review Committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.

For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the Foul Play Review Committee.