Scottish Rugby today confirmed its intention to appeal the two-week suspension of stand-off Finn Russell (above, with his brother Archie at Netherdale) by an independent Six Nations discipline committee.
Russell appeared before the panel at Heathrow, having been cited under Law 10.4 (e) and (i) for an alleged dangerous tackle of an opponent in the air, in the RBS 6 Nations match between Scotland and Wales on Sunday (15 February) at BT Murrayfield.
The disciplinary committee determined that Russell had committed an act of foul play, which merited a red card, rather than the on-field yellow card given by the match officials. It decided that the offence should be categorised under Law 10.4 (i) and the view of the discipline committee was it was reckless, rather than deliberate.
The Committee considered it at the lower end of World Rugby’s scale of seriousness carrying a three-week suspension, but noted the absence of aggravating factors and the existence of certain mitigating factors, including the player’s clear disciplinary record, in applying a one-week reduction from the entry point.
A Scottish Rugby spokesperson, said: “We are disappointed by the outcome of today’s discipline committee meeting, and subsequent suspension of stand-off Finn Russell. Following the arrival of the written sanction later this week, we intend to appeal.”
Image – John Preece
