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Chile fullback cops 8-match ban for incident against Romania
By Ian Cameron
Chile’s Cristobal Game has copped a hefty eight-match suspension, reduced to seven upon completion of World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme, following a citing for foul play in the Test match against Romania over the weekend.
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Pablo Lemoine’s side secured an impressive 40-16 win over the Stejarii in Santiago, but the victory has come at a cost for their fullback.
Game was cited for a dangerous tackle under Law 9.11 (leading with the forearm/elbow), with an independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) deeming the offence warranted a top-end sanction due to the high degree of danger, lack of wrapping attempt, and the serious injury caused to the Romanian player.
The committee, chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC and including former internationals Bogdan Zebega (Romania) and Martyn Wood (England), considered written submissions and match footage under the terms of World Rugby’s expedited disciplinary process.
While the top-end entry point for such an offence is 10 matches, mitigation was applied and a proposed sanction of eight matches was issued, further reducible to seven upon successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme.
The sanction has been accepted by the player.
Game is suspended for the following matches: Old Macks v Old Johns on 12 July, Brazil v Chile on 19 July, Chile v Brazil on 26 July, Old Johns v Cda on 2 August, Pwcc v Old Johns on 9 August, and Old Johns v Old Boys on 23 August, with two additional matches still to be confirmed. He will be free to play in the final of those subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme.
Meanwhile, Romania’s Stefan Buruiana has received a three-match suspension, reduced to two with the completion of the same coaching programme, following a red card for a dangerous clear-out.
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The FPRC concluded that Buruiana made direct contact with the head and that the action carried a high degree of danger with no mitigation.
The hooker’s suspension covers the upcoming Tests against Uruguay (12 July) and Argentina XV (18 July).
Subject to programme completion, he will be free to play in SC Albi’s pre-season fixture against Carcassonne on 1 August.
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