Timisoara and Quins clash results in suspensions

Morrison has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing on December 21

Morrison was sent off by referee, Thomas Charabas (France), for a dangerous tackle on the Harlequins wing, Marland Yarde, in the third minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (e).

Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (e) Dangerous tackling of an opponent, carries the following sanction entry points of two weeks up to 52 weeks.

An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Roger Morris (Wales), Chairman, Tommy Dalton (Ireland) and Becky Essex (England) heard evidence and submissions by video conference from Morrison, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from the Saracens Assistant Team Manager, Dana Uruci, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

In upholding the red card decision, the Committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point. The Committee than added one week to the sanction in accordance with World Rugby's memorandum regarding dangerous tackles.

Taking into account Morrison's clean disciplinary record, his guilty plea and expression of remorse, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by one week before imposing a two-week suspension.

As Timisoara  have no competitive matches until Round five of the Challenge Cup, Morrison will be free to play on Monday, January 23, 2017. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

While, Harlequins player Mat Luamanu, has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing.

Luamanu was sent off charging dangerously into the Timisoara Saracens wing, Madalin Lemnaru, in the 76th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (g).

However, Luamanu pleaded not guilty to the offence.  

But, in upholding the red card decision, the Committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point. The Committee then added one week to the sanction due to the player's poor recent disciplinary record.

Taking into account that Luamanu had pleaded not guilty to the offence, the Committee decided that there were not sufficient mitigating factors to warrant any reduction from the entry point, and imposed a suspension of three weeks.

Luamanu is free to play on January 9, 2017.