During the hearing, the player had not sought to argue that the red card, awarded by the referee on the advice of the Television Match Official, was incorrect, but rather that the offence did not warrant further sanction. In arriving at their decision, the Committee considered whether there were any aggravating factors, as well as taking into account all the mitigating factors involved.
The Committee, chaired by Pat Barriscale (Ireland), alongside Rhian Williams and Robert Williams (both Wales), having listened to representations by and on behalf of the player, found that the offence, which the Committee accepted amounted to more of a brushing action with the head as opposed to a strike, did not merit a further sanction beyond the red card itself.
Anthony Rochet was therefore free to resume playing immediately.Tevita Kuridrani received a red card during the Ireland v Australia match on 16 November 2013
63x46.png){kind=logo}