Disciplinary hearing: Andre Esterhuizen and Stuart Townsend
Press Release
9th December 2020,
Andre Esterhuizen of Harlequins and Stuart Townsend of Exeter Chiefs each appeared before an online independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday 8 December.
Esterhuizen was shown a red card by referee Ian Tempest in the 45th minute of the match between Gloucester and Harlequins on Sunday 6 Dec 2020. This was for a striking with the elbow, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.12.
The player accepted the charge and was given a four week suspension by the independent panel comprising Daniel White (chair), with Matthew Weaver and Mitch Read. He is free to play again on 5 January 2021.
To read the full judgment click here.
Townsend was cited by independent citing commissioner Chris Sharp following the match between Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs on Saturday 5 Dec 2020. This was for dangerous play in a ruck or maul, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20a.
The player accepted the charge and was given a five week suspension by the independent panel. He is free to play again on 12 January 2021.
The original article can be found here.
