France’s Rugby World Cup campaign sustains a major blow as centre handed over three-week suspension
Les Bleus’ 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign was dealt a severe blow as their talented centre, Fabrice Estebanez, is handed over a three-week suspension. The ban has ended Estebanez’s 2011 RWC campaign and his inclusion in France’s upcoming must-win encounter
against England.
Earlier during the weekend, Estebanez was cited for his dangerous tackle on Tongan substitute Joseph Tuineau during France’s last pool match at Westpac Stadium, Wellington on Saturday, October 1. The incident occurred during the 64th minute of
the game, which earned Estebanez a yellow card.
Tonga won the match 19 – 14 as France did enough to win the losing bonus point to book their place in the last eight of the global tournament. France will play against their European rivals, England, to compete for a place in the semi-finals of the 2011
RWC.
Estebanez was written up by citing commissioner, Steve Hinds, for the incident and the player directed to appear for the judicial hearing in Auckland on Monday, October 3. Hinds termed Estebanez “dangerous tip tackle” as a violation of the International
Rugby Board (IRB) laws.
Estebanez appeared for the hearing chaired by Christopher Quinlan QC from England. The statement released at the end of the hearing read, “Fabrice Estebanez of France has been suspended for three weeks after admitting committing tackle contrary to IRB law
10(4)(j).”
Quinlan gained evidence from the video recording of the incident and took into account Estebanez’s legal representative submissions. Quinlan categorised the tackle as a mid range offence. However, considering the mitigating factors including Estebanez’s
acceptance of the foul play and his overall character in the game, Quinlan has handed over a reduced three-week suspension to the centre. IRB recommended sanction for mid range offence ranges from one to six weeks.
The sanction is enforced immediately and will end on Monday October 24 after the end of the 2011 RWC tournament. The final of the tournament will be played on Sunday, October 23.
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