Fiji winger Semi Radradra and Scotland second-row Scott Cummings appeared via video link before an independent disciplinary committee in two separate hearings on Tuesday (November 12).
This was to rule on the situation of the two players who received a 20-minute red card for foul play. Semi Radradra was guilty of a high tackle, contrary to Rule 9.13, during the match between Fiji and Wales on Sunday 10 November 2024.
As for Scott Cummings, he had to explain a more delicate situation (and less blatant, it must be admitted), for having fallen on the lower limbs of a scratcher while trying to clear it, an act of unfair play contrary to rule 9.20 (e), during the match between Scotland and South Africa on Sunday 10 November 2024.
Radradra suspended for three matches
In the case of Semi Radradra, the independent Disciplinary Commission was chaired by Philippe Cavalieros (France – a federation officially opposed to the 20-minute red card), assisted by the former international referee Valeriu Toma (Romania) and the former international player Stefan Terblanche (South Africa).
The 20-min red card explained by referee Karl Dickson
Referee Karl Dickson explains the 20-min red card system that is in place during the Autumn Nations Series.
The 20-min red card explained by referee Karl Dickson
Referee Karl Dickson explains the 20-min red card system that is in place during the Autumn Nations Series.
The Disciplinary Commission ruled that the red card was justified by the nature of the current act of play. “Based on World Rugby sanctioning guidelines, it established a starting point of six weeks. However, a maximum mitigation of 50% was applied, taking into account a clean disciplinary record and signs of remorse on the part of the player, which allowed the sanction to be reduced to three weeks,” the statement said.
Thus, the suspension will cover the following matches:
- November 16, 2024 – Spain vs Fiji – autumn tests
- November 23, 2024 – Ireland vs Fiji, Autumn Nations Series
- November 30, 2024 – Pau vs Lyon, Top 14
The player may nevertheless be allowed to play this final match for the resumption of the Top 14 if he requests and participates in the World Rugby Tackle Training Program aimed at modifying the specific techniques and technical problems which contributed to the act of play unfair.
Scott Cummings suspended for one match
In the case of Scott Cummings, the independent disciplinary committee was chaired by Rhian Williams (Wales), accompanied by former international referee Donal Courtney (Ireland – also skeptical of the 20-minute red card) and the former international player Olly Kohn (Wales).
Here too the commission validated the red card, but with nuances. “Although deemed reckless, the incident was assessed with a low entry point of two weeks. A maximum mitigation of 50% was then applied, taking into account an exemplary disciplinary record, good conduct and signs of remorse on the part of the player, thus reducing the sanction to one week,” it is stated in the final decision. .
Thus, the suspension will only cover Scotland’s next match, against Portugal on November 16.
