One-Match Ban For Ulster’s Fitzpatrick

Ulster prop Declan Fitzpatrick appeared today before an independent PRO12 Rugby disciplinary committee following the red card issued to him for striking an opponent early on in last Saturday’s league match between Ulster and Zebre in Parma.

The disciplinary committee, chaired by Simon Thomas, along with Terry Vaux and Robert Williams (all Wales), having viewed TV footage of the incident and listened to representations made by and on behalf of the player, found that the incident was at the low end of the IRB sanctions for the type of offence, carrying a two-week sanction.

In the absence of any aggravating factors and in light of several compelling mitigating factors, including the player’s exemplary previous playing record, the committee applied a one-week reduction from the entry point and suspended the player from playing for one week. 

That means Declan Fitzpatrick is free to resume playing from next Monday (October 6) and has the right of appeal.

Law 10.4(a): Striking another player with a hand, arm or fist.