Following a review of broadcast footage, Nadolo was cited by Independent Citing Commissioner Freek Burger (South Africa) under Law 10.4(j) for a ‘dangerous tip tackle’ in the Pool A match against the Wallabies at the Millennium Stadium, on 23 September.
Nadolo denied the act of foul play but, having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all broadcast angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Chris Smith of Lewis Silken, the Judicial Officer Christopher Quinlan QC (England) was not satisfied that the player committed an act of foul play contrary to law 10.4(j).
The citing was upheld on the basis that the player had committed the act of foul play contrary to Law 10.4(e). The Judicial Officer deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of two weeks and, taking into account mitigating factors including Nadolo’s excellent disciplinary record, he reduced the suspension to a period of one week.
The suspension takes effect immediately and will run up to and include 5 October, 2015. He is free to resume playing on 6 October, 2015. The player has 48 hours in which to appeal from the time he receives the written decision.
The England flanker Tom Wood has also received a Citing Commissioner Warning from Maurizio Vancini (Italy) for striking an opponent in breach of Law 10.4 (a) in the 66th minute of England’s Pool A match defeat against Wales at Twickenham at the weekend.
Under the RWC2015 Disciplinary Programme, a Citing Commissioner Warning equates to a yellow card in sanction. A combination of three yellow cards or Citing Commissioner Warnings accumulated during the tournament will result in a hearing. Wood is therefore free to play in England’s next Pool A match against Australia.
