Harry Hockings suspended for 3 weeks

A SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing has found Harry Hockings of the Reds guilty of contravening Law 9.12: Stamping or Trampling. after he was issued with a Red Card during a Super Rugby match between the Reds and Sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium at the weekend.

Hockings has been suspended from all forms of the game for 3 weeks, up to and including Friday 24 May 2019.

The SANZAAR Judicial Hearing held via video conference on Monday 6 May 2019, 9am(SAST), 5pm(AEST), 7pm(NZST) was heard by Nigel Hampton QC, Mike Mika, and John Langford.

In his finding, the Judicial Committee Chairperson Nigel Hampton QC ruled the following: 

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Mark Martin QC, the Judicial Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.12." 
 

"With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level. The actions of the Player were deemed reckless although the contact made was found not to have been made with significant force. Taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's clean judicial record, his youth and good reputation, his acceptance of responsibility and his expressed remorse, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks."

"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including 24 May 2019.”