Connacht’s Papali’i Receives Five-Week Ban

Connacht back rower Abraham Papali’i has been banned for five weeks after a disciplinary process took place today, resulting from the red card he received during round 7 of the Guinness PRO14.

Papali’i was sent-off during Connacht’s 47-12 bonus point win away to Zebre last Sunday, by referee Dan Jones under law 9.13 – a player must not tackle an opponent, late or dangerously.

Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.

Papali’i faced a disciplinary panel consisting of Charles Cuthbert (chair), Nigel Williams and Declan Goodwin (all Wales).

The panel concluded that the incident – the Kiwi number 8 caught Tommaso Boni with a head-high challenge – warranted a red card and was deemed a mid-range offence, which carries a six-week suspension.

Papali’i’s co-operation throughout the process and remorse shown warranted a one-week reduction of the suspension, bringing his ban to five weeks.

Reminded of his right to appeal, he will be free to play from midnight on Monday, December 28.