The Scarlets centre, Johnny Williams, has been suspended for six weeks following an
independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from his club’s EPCR Challenge Cup, Round 3
match against ASM Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel-Michelin.
Williams was sent off by the referee, Eoghan Cross (Ireland), in the 26th minute of the
match for tackling the ASM Clermont Auvergne centre, Julien Hériteau, in a dangerous
manner in contravention of Law 9.13.
Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction
entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Mark Curran (Ireland), Chair,
Daniel White (England) and Valeriu Toma (Romania) studied video imagery of the
incident, and heard evidence from Williams, who accepted the red card decision.
The committee also heard submissions from the Scarlets Head Coach, Dwayne Peel,
and from the Scarlets Team Manager, Sara Davies.
The committee upheld the red card decision, finding that in carrying out the tackle in a
dangerous and reckless manner, Williams had made contact with Hériteau’s head.
Taking into account the injuries suffered by Hériteau, the committee then determined
that the offending was at the top end of World Rugby’s sanctions and 12 weeks was
selected as the appropriate entry point.
Due to his timely acceptance of the charge and his apology to Hériteau, the committee
decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50% before imposing a six-week
suspension.
The date when Williams can return to play will be determined once the committee has
received full details of his future playing schedule.
Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision