Stade Francais Prop Rodrigo Roncero free to play Amlin Challenge Cup Final – Rugby news
Stade Francais has breathed a sigh of relief as their prop, Rodrigo Roncero, succeeded in defending his case during a recent disciplinary hearing. While the detailed judgment is yet to be made public, the news is that the Argentinean prop was cleared of
any foul play.
With no suspension handed over, Rodrigo Roncero will be available for Stade Francais to play in the Amlin Challenge Cup Final. Stade Francais will take on the Harlequins at the Cardiff City Stadium on May 20, 2011.
Earlier, the 34-year-old Argentinean prop was cited for an illegal tackle on Clermont Auvergne’s scrum half Morgan Parra. The incident took place during the Amlin Challenge Cup semifinal clash in Paris on Friday, April 29, in which the field referee did
not showed any card to Rodrigo Roncero. Stade Francais’ star prop played a pivotal role at the scrum for his side’s 29 – 25 victory over Clermont.
The European Rugby Cup (ERC) citing commissioner, Alan Mansell, cited the incident later. Rodrigo Roncero was called in for the hearing due to a late body check on Clermont Auvergne’s Parra.
Mansell made the complaint against Roncero in contravention of rugby law 10.4 (f). The clause deals with dangerous charging or obstructing of an opponent without the ball including shouldering.
International Rugby Board (IRB) recommended sanctions for offences under Law 10.4 (f) carries the following three different kinds of penalties: 1) Low End: 3 weeks, 2) Mid Range: 5 weeks; and Top End: 9 to 52 weeks.
Earlier today on Friday, 6 May, Rodrigo Roncero showed up at the ERC office in Dublin for the hearing where he appeared before an independent Judicial Officer Mark McParland.
John O'Donnell, Stade Francais Paris Director of Rugby Michael Cheika, and Stade Francais General Manager Cédric Boudarel, represented Rodrigo Roncero at the hearing.
“RoRo” admitted that he had committed an act of foul play. However, he argued, “the act did not warrant a red card.” Mark McParland has upheld the citing complaint made by Mr. Mansell. However, he did conclude that an act of foul play did not warrant a red
card.
The judicial officer did not impose sanctions on Roncero that allows him to be available for the Stade Francais the final game.
Rodrigo Roncero is considered the most destructive scrum player in the world. Rugby’s renowned columnist, Stephen Jones, ranked the Argentinean as the ninth best player in Rugby World magazine’s January 2010 edition.
Rodrigo Roncero, if not rested, should take part in Stade Francais’ last match of the French Top 14 against the Racing Metro on May 13.
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