An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) chaired by Roddy Dunlop KC (Scotland) and joined by former referee Juan Pablo Spirandelli (Argentina) and former player Ofisa Tonu’u (New Zealand) met on 23 November to consider the red card issued to Vlad Neculau during the November international match played between Romania and Uruguay on Saturday, 22 November.
The Foul Play Review Committee reviewed the red card received for a Law 9.20(b) offence (dangerous charging) and noted the player accepted that foul play had occurred and that the offence warranted a red card. On the basis of all the evidence before them, the Committee decided to suspend Vlad Neculau for four matches (mandatory mid-range entry point of six matches, however the committee did not award full mitigation owing to the player’s disciplinary record), reduced to three on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention. The sanction was accepted by the player.
In accordance with the remit of the expedited off-field sanction process trial, sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC meets without the attendance of the player or their representatives, or World Rugby. However, written submissions may be provided by the player to the FPRC for consideration.
The FPRC has the power to:
- Issue a warning
- Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 1 of Regulation 17
- Refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee
- Dismiss the red card and/or citing only in the case of mistaken identity
