Six Nations: Uini Atonio receives three-week ban for illegal hit on Rob Herring

France front-row Uini Atonio has received a three-week suspension for his illegal tackle on Ireland hooker Rob Herring in Saturday’s Six Nations Test in Dublin.

He initially received a yellow card from referee Wayne Barnes, a decision that was heavily criticised at the time, but following Wednesday’s hearing, Atonio has been banned.

Likely to be available for final game

The suspension would usually mean that Atonio‘s participation in this year’s Six Nations is over as he is scheduled to miss Les Bleus‘ final three Tests of the Championship against Scotland, Wales and England.

However, he will be available for their final clash against the Welsh if he completes a coaching intervention programme.

The full statement released read: “France prop, Uini Atonio appeared before an independent judicial committee via video link having been cited for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.

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“Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.) in the Guinness Six Nations match between Ireland and France on Saturday 11th February 2023.

“The independent judicial committee consisting of judge Mike Mika – chair (New Zealand), Leon Lloyd (England) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) heard the case, considering all the available evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives.

“The player admitted that he had committed an act of foul play worthy of a red card. Having reviewed all the evidence, the committee accepted the player’s admission that the tackle on Ireland No. 2 was foul play.

“His shoulder made contact with Ireland No. 2’s neck/face as described in the citing commissioner’s report and therefore reached the red card threshold.

“On that basis, the committee applied World Rugby’s mandatory minimum mid-range entry point for foul play resulting in contact with the head. This resulted in a starting point of a six-week suspension.

Showed genuine remorse

“Having acknowledged there were no aggravating factors and mitigating factors including the player’s immediate admission of guilt, his exemplary disciplinary record and genuine remorse, the committee reduced the six-week entry point by three weeks, resulting in a sanction of three weeks (to be served as the following given the player’s upcoming schedule): 26 February 2023 – France v Scotland 11 March 2023 – England v France 18 March 2023 – France v Wales.

“The player applied to take part in the coaching intervention programme to substitute the final match of his sanction for a coaching intervention, which was granted by the committee. The programme is aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play. The player has the right of appeal within 3 working days of the issuing of the full written decision.”