Tuilagi suspension cut by three weeks

Editor

Veteran Samoa wing Alesana Tuilagi's appeal against his suspension for five weeks for an act of foul play has been reduced to two weeks.

The appeal was heard by an Appeal Committee chaired by the Honourable Justice Lex Mpati (South Africa), sitting with Messrs Terry Willis (Australia) and Robbie Deans (New Zealand).

The Appeal Committee conducted a detailed review of all the evidence, including a review of all camera angles, additional evidence provided by the player and submissions from his legal representatives.

The Appeal Committee upheld the finding that the player had committed an act of foul play. The Appeal Committee determined that the offence was low-end, which has an entry point of three weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including his impeccable conduct during the hearing, good character and record over a long career and the absence of any off-field aggravating factors, the player was suspended for a period of two weeks.

The player's suspension will now continue up to and including 16 October 2015 on which date he is free to return to play.