Williams cops five-week ban

Wales and Cardiff Blues scrumhalf Lloyd Williams has been suspended for five weeks for a tip tackle on Montpellier scrumhalf Benoit Paillaugue.

Williams was red carded by referee John Lacey (Ireland) in the 24th minute of the European Cup Round Three Pool Six match at Cardiff Arms Park last Sunday.

He appeared at an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin on Thursday where independent Judicial Officer, Jeremy Summers (England), heard submissions from Williams, Cardiff Blues team manager, Gafyn Cooper, and ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor.

Employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(j), Summers determined that the offence was at the mid-range entry point of eight weeks.  In line with the IRB memorandum on tip tackles, Summers added a further one week as a deterrent.

When considering the mitigating factors, Summers applied the maximum of four weeks for the Williams’ guilty plea, record and clear remorse, and accordingly suspended him for five weeks.

Williams will be free to play on January 14.

Newport Gwent Dragons lock Jevon Groves also appeared in front of Summers and received a two-week ban for a tip tackle on Mogliano fullback Ezio Galon in last Saturday’s European Challenge Cup match at Stadio Maurizio Quaggia.

Summers amended the charge to an offence under Law 10.4(e) as he determined that the offence was a dangerous tackle and not a tip tackle as defined by Law 10.4(j).

Having heard submissions from Groves, Dragons’ Director of Rugby, Robert Beale, and O’Connor, and employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(e), Summers determined that the offence was at the low-end entry point of two weeks.

Groves will thus be free to play on December 24.