Iakopo Mapu has been suspended for three weeks following an independent disciplinary hearing.
The back row was sent off by the referee, Sara Cox, in the 41st minute Northampton Saints’ Premiership Rugby Cup quarter-final clash with Ealing Trailfinders last Saturday at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
Mapu was shown a red card for reckless or dangerous play, which was amended to a dangerous tackle, on Ealing hooker Mike Willemse – contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13.
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Charles Cuthbert (chair), Christian Scotland-Williamson and Inigo Churchill, studied video imagery of the incident, and heard evidence from Mapu.
The committee upheld the red card decision and determined that Mapu should be sanctioned for a dangerous tackle – not the original ‘reckless or dangerous’ offence. It then decided that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
Taking into account the player’s guilty plea, his clear disciplinary record and exemplary conduct prior to and at the hearing, the committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50% before imposing a three-week suspension.
Mapu received a three-match ban, which will be reduced to two if he successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme (CIP).
Mapu will miss Saints’ Gallagher Premiership games against Leicester Tigers (21 March) and Sale Sharks (28 March). He will be available for the Investec Champions Cup clash with Clermont (4 April) subject to successful completion of the CIP.
