Waratahs lock Jed Holloway will not travel to South Africa after being handed a three-week suspension for foul play.
Holloway was red-carded in NSW’s loss to the Sharks on Saturday night after throwing his elbow backwards and connecting with the face of Sharks prop Thomas du Toit, who had grabbed the second rower’s jersey.
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As a red card offence, Holloway’s case was referred to the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee and Holloway pleaded guilty at Monday’s hearing.
His potential suspension began at a mid level entry point of six weeks but was reduced by half because of mitigating factors and his clean record, committee chairman Adam Casselden said.
“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.12,” he said in a statement.
“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level.
“However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s clean judicial record, the Player’s expressed remorse and the fact the Player has pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.”
The 26-year-old will not be available again until the Waratahs take on the Jaguares at Bankwest Stadium on May 25.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said after the match that the card was a straightforward decision.
“A red card. It’s very clear in the law – a strike to the head with a forearm or elbow,” he said.
“The sanction’s a red card or a yellow, so no grumbling about that.
“It is disappointing. Obviously those moments proved costly in the end.”
The Waratahs take on the Bulls on Saturday May 4 at 11:05pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and Kayo Sports.