An independent Disciplinary Committee convened in Dublin on Friday, 24 October to consider the sending-off of Julien Tomas and Fabien Rofes.

JULIEN TOMAS

An independent Disciplinary Committee convened in Dublin today (Friday, 24 October) to consider the sending-off of Julien Tomas, the Montpellier scrum half (No 9) in the European Challenge Cup Round 2 match against Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday, 18 October, 2008.

The player was sent off by Welsh referee James Jones in the 32nd minute for striking an opponent.

The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Mr Pat Barriscale (Ireland) and also comprised Mr Richard McGhee (Scotland) and Mr George Spotswood (Ireland).

After considering the evidence available, the independent Disciplinary Committee determined that the offence was of the low-end in the level of seriousness. Having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors the Committee suspended Mr. Tomas for a period of one (1) week, from the date of the match Saturday 18 October, 2008 up to and including Sunday, 26 October 2008.

FABIEN ROFES

An independent Disciplinary Committee convened in Dublin today (Friday, 24 October) to consider the sending-off of Fabien Rofes, the Montpellier hooker (No 2) in the European Challenge Cup Round 2 match against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday, 18 October, 2008.

The player was sent off by Welsh referee James Jones in the 73rd minute for stamping on an opponent.

The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Mr Pat Barriscale (Ireland) and also comprised Mr Richard McGhee (Scotland) and Mr George Spotswood (Ireland).

After considering the evidence available, the independent Disciplinary Committee determined that the offence was of the mid-range in the level of seriousness. Having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors the Committee suspended Mr. Rofes for a period of three (3) weeks, from the date of the match Saturday, 18 October, 2008 up to and including Sunday, 9 November 2008.

Notes to Editors
(i) Red Cards
a) The case of any player sent off in the Heineken Cup or European Challenge Cup game shall be adjudicated by an independent Disciplinary Committee as soon as is practicable.
b) Until the hearing the player is ineligible to play in any tournament.

(ii) Independent Disciplinary Committee
a) The independent Disciplinary Committee is chosen by the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Panel, Professor Lorne Crerar.
b) Both parties to the hearing (ERC and the player) have the right to appeal decisions of the independent Disciplinary Committee. Appeals must be lodged within 72 hours of receiving the full written decision from the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Committee
c) The full written decision of the independent Disciplinary Committee will be available on www.ercrugby.com/discipline when the disciplinary process is complete