The EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) have issued a statement, regarding the suspension to Stade Toulousain lock Richie Arnold. The second row has been issued a three week suspension, following his dangerous clear out on Leinster’s Cian Healy in the 2024 Investec Champions Cup Final.
Arnold was sent off for the offence by match referee Matthew Carley, with the incident taking place in the extra time battle between the two European titans. Arnold is set to return to action on June 24th, however he could return to action sooner for Toulouse or Australia following the completion of a World Rugby Coaching Intervention.
STATEMENT FROM EPCR:
The Stade Toulousain replacement second row, Richie Arnold, has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from the Investec Champions Cup final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 25 May 2024.
Arnold was issued with a red card by match referee, Matthew Carley (England), in the 10th minute of extra time for a dangerous clear out on the Leinster Rugby replacement prop, Cian Healy, in contravention of Law 9.20(a).
Law 9.20(a) A player must not charge into a ruck or a maul
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.20(a) 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 Roddy Dunlop (Scotland), Chair, Valeriu Toma (Romania) and Leon Lloyd (England) studied video imagery of the incident and heard evidence and submissions from Arnold, from the player’s legal representative, Neil Robertson, from the Stade Toulousain President, Didier Lacroix, from the Stade Toulousain Director of Rugby, Ugo Mola, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
“Following submissions from the player’s legal representative, the committee accepted that the charge should be amended to Law 9.20(b).
Law 9.20(b) A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.20(b) carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 4 weeks; Top end: 8 to 52 weeks
The committee then determined that Arnold had made contact with Healy’s head in a dangerous manner, and therefore, the red card decision was upheld.
It was decided that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and four weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point. Taking into account the fact that the player had previously served a suspension, the committee reduced the sanction by one week before imposing a three-week suspension.
Arnold is free to play on Monday, 24 June, however, if he applies for and successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday, 17 June.
Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.