Lengthy bans for Stade Francais pair
The pair were cited in the same match, the Round Six European Cup match against Leicester Tigers on January 24.
Gabrillagues was handed an eight week suspension for making contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area of the Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole in the 48th minute of the above-mentioned match, in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).
The Judicial Officer, Pat Barriscale (Ireland), found that Gabrillagues had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. He determined that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected 12 weeks as the appropriate entry point.
He added two weeks as a deterrent according to World Rugby's memorandum regarding offences of this nature, before reducing the sanction by six weeks – 50% of the entry point – due to Gabrillagues' guilty plea, good disciplinary record, expression of remorse, youth and inexperience and good conduct at the hearing.
Gabrillagues is free to play on Monday, March 21.
Sempéré was suspended for 15 weeks for same offence, his against Marcos Ayerza in the 34th minute of the match.
The same Judicial Officer heard evidence and submissions from Sempéré, who did not accept that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card, as well as considered written and verbal statements by Ayerza and photographic evidence of abrasions around Ayerza's eye area.
Barriscale found that Sempéré had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. He determined that the offence was at the mid-range of World Rugby's sanctions and selected 18 weeks as the appropriate entry point.
He added three weeks as a deterrent according to World Rugby's memorandum regarding offences of this nature, before reducing the sanction by six weeks due to Sempéré's good disciplinary record, good character, excellent conduct at the hearing and his expression of concern for Ayerza's welfare.
Sempéré is free to play on Monday, May 9.
Both players and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
Law 10.4 (m) Contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (m), Contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 12 weeks; Mid-Range: 18 weeks; Top End: 24 to 208 weeks.
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