IRB to appeal Thomson verdict
Nov 21,2012
The International Rugby Board has confirmed that it will appeal what it strongly believes to be an "unduly lenient sanction" handed down to All Blacks flank Adam Thomson for stamping or trampling on the head of an opponent.
Thomson was suspended for one week after Independent Judicial Officer Jean Noel Couraud upheld the citing complaint for an alleged act of illegal and/or foul play contrary to Law 10.4(b) during the Scotland versus New Zealand match on November 11, 2012. The hearing process was run under the auspices of the Six Nations Committee.
"As custodians of Rugby worldwide, the IRB has a duty to protect its image, values and integrity together with the welfare of players at all levels in order that the sport can continue its unprecedented growth and welcome more men, women and children to the Rugby family," read on IRB statement on Wednesday.
"At the very heart of this mission is the universal application of the disciplinary process as set out in Regulation 17. This IRB Disciplinary regulation is intended to protect all players and the Game through the strict application of a sanctioning regime that acts as a strong deterrent against acts of foul play.
"This stance was reaffirmed by leading international players, coaches, referees and administrators attending the IRB Morality Conference in London in March this year who unanimously agreed that a tough and consistent stance on discipline is key to Rugby's integrity.
"After careful consideration and having reviewed the full written decision in the Thomson case well within the permitted 72 hours of receipt, the IRB strongly believes that the sanction of one week is unduly lenient for this particular act of foul play and not aligned with the sanctions handed down in similar cases.
"The IRB firmly believes it is in the best interests of the Game and its integrity to exercise its ability to appeal the Thomson decision. The right of appeal by the IRB (in defined circumstances) and for Host Unions and tournament organisers was introduced into the revised Regulation 17 effective on June 1 this year to uphold the integrity of the disciplinary process in appropriate cases."
Comments (4)
Nov 21, 2012 at 21:56:15
I have to agree with you on that. The game is being changed by the soft cocks wearing ties. Bring back rucking. Although saying that McCaw would have been a non event.
Nov 21, 2012 at 23:44:18
One week was ridiculous.
Would have to disagree with the comments above about bringing back rucking. Rugby has plenty of opportunities for physicality and toughness to be exhibited in a fair and competitive way. I played when rucking was allowed and most of it was malicious and had nothing to do with quick ball - did nothing to enhance the reputation of the game. If anything, what happened at the bottom of those rucks was some of the Boks darkest moments.
Nov 22, 2012 at 13:04:39
but your forgeting that it wasn't 1 week it was 2 reduced to 1 for a clean record, never again can he get a week off and forever will this infrigement count against him when when determining another ban.
I also played when rucking was allowed, I was however an 80kg no 9 playing against over 100kg guys most of the time so tended to not dare get stuck in the position to get 'the treatment'. Maybe it was just nz, but every team seemed to have very fast or good backs and the effort to get quick ball always seemed genuine (bar a few dick heads who always got sorted out).
I think Mcaw just plays the way he does because of the rules and would simply adapt and find new 'grey' areas to exploit, would be interesting to see if he could change or how he changes anyhow.
Nov 21, 2012 at 19:58:12
Well I thought he would get maybe 3 weeks reduced to 2 or 4 weeks reduced to 3 at worst with the amount of intention he showed and the fact he was caught and carded (technically should have been a red but i thought a yellow was fair in this case).... But this sounds like they want to give him the full 12 weeks or a year off.
Just makes me thinks they should bring back rucking even more!