Harlequins Blow

Harlequins’ hopes of advancing to the final of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup took a knock when their Samoan hooker Tani Fuga was suspended by an ERC disciplinary committee

Harlequins’ Samoa hooker Tani Fuga will miss the rest of the season following a seven-week ban imposed Wednesday
for stamping on an opponent.

The 30-year-old was cited by Irish side Connacht for an
incident that
took place during Quins’ 31-22 European Challenge Cup semi-final,
first leg
victory earlier this month.

His ban does not expire until June 9th with Fuga’s first game out
Sunday’s
second leg encounter in Galway.

Quins now have problems in filling the No.2 jersey as Fuga’s
fellow Samoan
and natural back-up Ace Tiatia is already out for three weeks with an
ankle
ligament injury.

James Hayter is the likely starter against Connacht, with academy
prospect
Cameron Dott on the bench.

Fuga has 72 hours to lodge an appeal against the decision, which
was made
by a three-man panel.

AFP – 2004.

For all the news on Connacht’s preparation for the semi final second leg go to,
www.connachtrugby.ie