Justin Tipuric gets three-week suspension; BJ Botha cleared after Ospreys vs Munster encounter
Welsh international Rugby Union player and Ospreys captain, Justin Tipuric, has been handed over a three-week suspension for his offensive tackle. However, Springboks and Munster’s front row forwards player, BJ Botha, has been cleared for his tackle in the
same game. The RaboDirect Pro 12 disciplinary committee announced the decision on Tuesday, October 18.
Earlier, Tipuric was sidelined for his tackle on Munster’s fly half Ian Keatley in the 52nd minute of the game. Ospreys defeated Munster by a four point margin in their RaboDirect Pro 12 encounter at Thomond Park, Limerick on Saturday, October 8. The final
scorecard read 17 – 13 as Ospreys came off from the deficit of seven points in the second-half to register their win in the tournament.
Tipuric landed a tip tackle on Keatley, which resulted in Tipuric being sin binned in the 52nd minute of the game. Later he was cited for his tackle, which was termed a violation of the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) law by the citing commission.
Tipuric was asked to appear before the disciplinary committee on Tuesday, October 18 at Edinburgh. After the hearing, the committee deemed Tipuric’s action as a violation of IRB laws and added that the offence was worthy of a red card in the match, unlike
the yellow card shown to the Ospreys flanker, Tipuric.
Providing the details, the committee categorised the offence as a low range offence, keeping in view Tipuric’s and Ospreys attitude. Ospreys did not play Tipuric in their last weekend encounter against Exeter.
The Neath born back row forwards player started his professional rugby union career with Ospreys in 2010. He made his international debut for Wales, earlier this year in their pre-world cup campaign.
The 22-year-old Tipuric was expected to be named as a replacement for Wales’ suspended flanker Sam Warburton.
Additionally, the disciplinary committee has cleared Springboks international prop, BJ Botha, for this head butting offence. Botha was cited for his high tackle on the Ospreys’ hooker, Richard Hibbard.
Tipuric will be available to take the field again on October 31 and reserves the right to appeal against the ban.
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