STORMERS PLAYER ADRÉ Smith has been hit with an eight-match ban after a URC discplinary hearing today, arising out of an incident in last Saturday’s match against Munster.
Smith was cited for an alleged bite on Munster hooker Niall Scannell during the game at Thomond Park, the incident occurring in the 45th minute.
The disciplinary hearing took place today via video conference and afterwards the panel concluded that Smith would be sanctioned ‘after the player failed to prove on the balance of probabilities that foul play had not occurred and selected a low-range entry point’.
Smith had been cited under Law 9.12: A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.
His previous record and behaviour during the process were considered and mitigation of 30% was applied.
As a result, the player has been banned for a period of eight games and is free to play from midnight on Sunday 13 February 2022.
He was reminded of his right to appeal by the panel, which comprised of Sheriff Kathrine Mackie, Iain Leslie (both Scotland) and Janet Gedrych (Wales).
Bernard Jackman, Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey chat all things Connacht, Munster, Leinster and Ulster — and welcome back the AIL — on The42 Rugby Weekly
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He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)