Raisuqe hit with ten-week stamping ban

The Stade Français wing, Josaia Raisuqe, has been suspended for 10 weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Paris, arising from his club's Challenge Cup quarter-final against the Ospreys at the Principality Stadium.

Raisuqe was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Alberto Recaldini (Italy), for stamping on the Ospreys wing, Keelan Giles, in the 19th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (b).

Law 10.4 (b) Stamping
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (b), stamping or trampling on an opponent, carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 12 to 52 weeks.

An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of David Martin (Ireland), Chairman, John Carroll (Ireland) and Jean-Philippe Lachaume (France), heard evidence and submissions from Raisuqe, from the Stade Francais Paris Administrator, Camille Perritaz, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

The Committee upheld the citing complaint and determined that the offence was a stamp to the head and upper body, and therefore warranted a red card.

Because the citing was upheld, the subsequent red card shown to the player by referee, Matthew Carley, for a second yellow card offence during the match, did not need to be considered by the Committee.

Following recent sanction guidelines concerning kicks and stamps to the head, the Committee was required to find that the offence was at the top end of World Rugby's sanctions, and 12 weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

One week was added due to Raisuqe's recent disciplinary record, and then taking into account the player's timely apology to Keelan Giles as well as his admission that he had committed an act of foul play, the Committee reduced the sanction by three weeks before imposing a ten-week suspension.

At the earliest, Raisuqe will be free to play on Monday, August 7, however, the suspension could extend to a later date subject to confirmation of Stade Francais Paris' forthcoming playing schedule. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.