Super Rugby Pacific: Rebels centre Ray Nu’u receives four-week suspension for foul play

David Skippers

The Melbourne Rebels will have to finish their Super Rugby Pacific campaign without the services of Ray Nu’u after the centre was banned for four weeks for foul play.

Nu’u received a red-card in the closing stages of the Rebels‘ 26-22 triumph over Moana Pasifika last weekend after he put in an illegal and dangerous high tackle on former Wallaby playmaker Christian Leali’ifano.

His latest foul was deemed as a mid-range indiscretion by SANZAAR’s judiciary and the 24-year-old subsequently received a four-match suspension due to previous offences.

Second suspension for 2022

It is the second time this season that Nu’u will serve a suspension for foul play. He was also banned for three weeks for a dangerous tackle on Western Force loose forward Brynard Stander earlier this year.

“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, Toby Mullen, the Judicial Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.13,” ruled judicial committee chair Stephen Hardy.

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

“Taking into account mitigating factors, including the Player’s remorse, young age, and conduct at the hearing; the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension by two weeks. “The player is therefore suspended for four weeks, up to and including 29 May 2022.”

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