Independent Disciplinary Update: Hayden Cripps Decision

A red card was issued to Hayden Cripps of the SHIMIZU KOTO BLUE SHARKS by a referee at the match between SHIMIZU KOTO BLUE SHARKS and  SAYAMA SECOM RUGGUTs  held on 24 May 2025.

This is to inform that in accordance with Article 34 (Judicial and Citing) of the JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE ‘Official Match Guidelines 2024-25’ and the Japan Rugby Football Union ‘Regulation of Sanctions for Foul Play’, the Judicial Officer conducted a hearing with the player and decided to apply the following sanctions.

■Regulation 17 (DISCIPLINE - FOUL PLAY): Details of the Incident

Player: Hayden Cripps

Team:SHIMIZU KOTO BLUE SHARKS   

Date of Incident: 24 May 2025

Nature of Offence: 

Law 9.11 –  Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others including leading with the elbow or forearm, or jumping into, or over, a tackler. 

Sanctions: 3 weeks (matches) Suspension (D2/D3 Promotion Relegation - 2nd match)

* Other two matches will be decided when their further schedule is confirmed

The Act: The player hit the victim player's head directly with his shoulder when he tried to clean-out (No.2 of SAYAMA RG)

Elapsed time in match when incident occurred: 23:00

【References】
JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE “Official Match Guidelines 2024-25” (JP only)
https://league-one.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/file/menu/11248_6724a704ea4a2.pdf
Japan Rugby Football Union “Regulation of Sanctions for Foul Play” (JP only)
https://rugby-japan.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/file/html/169467_6560879583b90.pdf
World Rugby　Regulation17 DISCIPLINE - FOUL PLAY
https://www.world.rugby/organisation/governance/regulations/reg-17