Sharks appeal Taione ban

The Sharks have appealed against the six-week suspension given to Tongan import Epi Taione for his headbutt in the Super 14 match against the Hurricanes in Wellington on April 5.

The Sharks have appealed against the six-week suspension given to Tongan import Epi Taione for his headbutt in the Super 14 match against the Hurricanes in Wellington on April 5.

A SANZAR Appeal Committee will hold a hearing via teleconference on Thursday to hear the appeal by the Sharks franchise who are currently in Canberra preparing for their match against the Brumbies.

Taione – playing in only his second game for the Sharks as a replacement – was shown a red card for his head strike on Hurricanes' lock Jeremy Thrush in a heated match that ended in a controversial 13-13 draw two weeks ago.

The SANZAR Appeal Committee is Chris Morris (chairman, New Zealand), Jannie Lubbe (South Africa) and Dennis Wheelahan (Australia).