All Blacks legend learns suspension outcome for Glasgow Warriors' Champions Cup tie after citation

The 103-times capped New Zealand international was cited by the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) governing body following an alleged dangerous tackle in his side’s Champions Cup Round of 16 tie. The incident came late in the game as the 43-year old went in on DHL Stormers counterpart Wandisile Simelane.

Nonu was shown a yellow card for the collision by referee Chrisophe Ridley at the time. Despite that, Toulon were able to see out the game and secure their progression to the quarter finals with a 28-27 victory.

Toulon centre to miss Glasgow quarter final and two more matches

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner’s ban will last three weeks in total after he accepted the result of the disciplinary panel to upgrade his yellow card to a red. He will be free to return on April 27 or, if he applies for and successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching intervention programme, April 20.

A statement from the EPCR said: “The RC Toulon replacement centre, Ma’a Nonu, has been suspended for three weeks following an independent disciplinary hearing arising from the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 match between RC Toulon and DHL Stormers at Stade Félix Mayol on Saturday 4 April.

“Nonu was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Dave Guyan (England), for allegedly tackling the DHL Stormers replacement centre, Wandisile Simelane, in a dangerous manner, in the 79th minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.13. Nonu was shown a yellow card by the referee, Christophe Ridley (England), for the incident.”

Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. 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. Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction entry points Low-end: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top-end: 10 to 52 weeks.

The statement continued: “An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Gareth Graham (England, Chair), Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Marcelo D’Orey (Portugal) heard the case via video conference today, Tuesday 7 April. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

“Nonu accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. The Committee upheld the citing complaint, finding that Nonu had tackled Simelane in a dangerous manner and determined 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 acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play, his expression of remorse and his very good disciplinary record, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50 per cent, before imposing a three-week suspension.

“Nonu is free to play again on Monday, 27 April. However, if he applies for and successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching intervention programme, he will be free to play on Monday 20 April. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”

Sale Sharks player receives suspension that would impact Glasgow Warriors potential semi final

Meanwhile, the EPCR have also enforced a suspension on Sale Sharks hooker Nathan Jibulu following an incident in their Round of 16 tie. The former England under 20 forwarded was cited for allegedly biting Harlequins prop Will Hobson.

He has received a six week suspension, reduced from 12 weeks. The winner of Glasgow Warriors quarter final clash with Toulon will play at home to the winner of Leinster vs Sale at the start of May meaning Jibulu will be unavailable should his side progress.

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