Independent Disciplinary Update: Teariki Ben-Nicholas

An appeal was lodged by the team for the disciplinary decision on Teariki Ben-Nicholas of the Kurita Water Gush Akishima for the match between SAYAMA SECOM RUGGUTs and Kurita Water Gush Akishima held on 22 December 2024. 

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 Appeal Committee conducted a hearing with the player and reassessed the decision made on 26 December and arrives to a new conclusion.

■ Updated decision

Sanctions: 5 weeks (matches) Suspension (Rd 2-6)

■ The decision before change (As of 26 December)

Player: Teariki Ben-Nicholas

Team:Kurita Water Gush Akishima

Date of Incident: 22 December 2024

Nature of Offence: Law 9.12 –  A player must not physically abuse anyone. 

Sanctions: 6 weeks (matches) Suspension (Rd 2-7)

The Act: The player hit the victim player (No.4 of SAYAMA SECOM RUGGUTs)'s upper body (left chest) hard with his right arm 

Elapsed time in match when incident occurred: 15:00

【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