ERC Disciplinary News: Sisa Koyamaibole Banned For Contravention of Law 10.4 (m) Acts contrary to good sportsmanship – Biting.

The Bordeaux-Beglès forward Sisa Koyamaibole (No 8), has been suspended for 12 weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin today, Wednesday, 17 October, arising from the Amlin Challenge Cup Round 1 match against London Irish at Stade André Moga on Saturday, 13 October 2012.

Koyamaibole was alleged to have committed an act contrary to good sportsmanship in that he bit London Irish replacement Declan Danaher (No 20), during the second half of the match. The complaint was made by Citing Commissioner, John West (Ireland).

The independent Judicial Officer, Antony Davies (England), heard evidence and submissions from Koyamaibole, by conference call, who accepted that he had committed an act of foul play contrary to good sportsmanship.

The player was represented at the hearing in Dublin by Bordeaux-Beglès, Director of Rugby, Raphael Ibenez. The Judicial Officer also heard evidence and submissions from ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor and from Declan Danaher by conference call.

The Judicial Officer upheld the citing complaint, concluding that Koyamaibole had committed an act contrary to good sportsmanship in that he bit his opponent.

Employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(m), the Judical Officer determined that the offence, although intentional, had caused minimal injury, and was at the low-end entry point of 12 weeks. After considering any mitigating and aggravating factors he decided that the entry point was sufficient and imposed a suspension of 12 weeks.

Koyamaibole will be free to play on 7 January 2013. Both the player and ERC have the right to appeal the decision.

Law 10.4 (m) Acts contrary to good sportsmanship – Biting
Under the IRB Recommended Sanctions for Offences Committed within the Playing Enclosure, Law 10.4 (m) carries the following penalties for Biting: Low End: 12 weeks; Mid Range: 18 weeks; Top End: 24+ to 208 weeks.