Stade Francais flanker cops two week ban for testicles grabbing incident

December 16, 2020
2099
Ultimate Rugby

Stade Francais' 21-year-old Australian flanker Charlie Rorke has been handed a two-week suspension after he was given his marching orders on his debut for the club in Stade's Challenge Cup against Benetton.

Rorke was caught clearly grabbed the testicles of Italian international Leonardo Sarto. The bizarre testicles grabbing incident saw Rorke and Sarto being sent off.

Sarto, understandably, took exception to the attack on his genitalia and lashed out on Sarto.

Charlie Rorke was sent off for grabbing Leonardo Sarto's nether region 🍒 pic.twitter.com/rDrgq8Tc4T
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) December 12, 2020

European Professional Club Rugby confirmed Rorke's suspension on Wednesday.

'The Stade Francais Paris flanker, Charlie Rorke, has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing today (Wednesday, 16 December) arising from his club’s Challenge Cup, Round 1 match against Benetton Rugby at Stade Jean Bouin.' The statement read.

'Rorke was issued with a red card by the referee, Ben Blain (Scotland), in the 44th minute of the match for allegedly grabbing the testicles of the Benetton Rugby wing, Leonardo Sarto (No 14), in contravention of Law 9.27.

Law 9.27 A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.27 relating to grabbing the testicles of an opponent, has the following sanction entry points - Low End: 12 weeks; Mid-range: 18 weeks; Top end: 24 to 104 weeks.'

The independent Disciplinary Committee heard evidence and submissions by video conference from the player, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, from the Stade Francais Paris Chief Executive, Thomas Lombard, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

The committee found that the red card was warranted, however, it decided that Rorke was guilty of a different offence coming under Law 9.11.

Law 9.11 Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.11 has the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks. 

The committee then determined that the act of foul play was at the low-end of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point. As there was insufficient mitigation to warrant any reduction to the entry point, a two-week suspension was imposed.

Rorke is free to play on Monday, 28 December, and he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

Meanwhile, Leonardo Sarto has been suspended for one week.

Sarto was issued with a red card by the referee, Ben Blain (Scotland), in the 44th minute of the match for striking the Stade Francais Paris flanker, Charlie Rorke (No 6), in the neck and head area in contravention of Law 9.12.

Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 relating to punching or striking with hand or arm, has the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks. 

The independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Samantha Hillas QC (England), Chair, Frank Hadden (Scotland) and Antony Wheat (England), heard evidence and submissions by video conference from the player, who pleaded guilty to foul play, from the Benetton Rugby representative, Marius Goosen, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

The committee found that the red card was warranted, however, it decided that Sarto was guilty of a different offence coming under Law 9.11.