WELLINGTON, Nov 24, 2012 (AFP) – All Blacks’ forward Adam Thomson has had his one-week ban for trampling on the head of Scotland’s Alasdair Strokosch doubled to two weeks following an appeal by the International Rugby Board. A copy of the decision, released on Saturday by the New Zealand Rugby Union, said Thomson’s suspension had [...]

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IRB doubles All Black Thomson’s ban

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Adam Thomson

WELLINGTON, Nov 24, 2012 (AFP) – All Blacks’ forward Adam Thomson has had his one-week ban for trampling on the head of Scotland’s Alasdair Strokosch doubled to two weeks following an appeal by the International Rugby Board.

A copy of the decision, released on Saturday by the New Zealand Rugby Union, said Thomson’s suspension had been extended to November 25.
When Thomson was initially cited for standing on Strokosch’s head in the All Blacks’ Test against Scotland in Edinburgh on November 11, he was handed a two-week ban that was later reduced to one week due to his blemish-free record.

However, the IRB lodged an appeal after reviewing the original punishment, believing it was “unduly lenient”.

An independent appeal board of judges Jeff Blackett (England), Pat Barriscale (Ireland) and Jeremy Summers (England), sitting in Wales, did not agree the initial two-week ban was lenient but opposed the one-week reduction.

“Therefore Adam Thomson’s suspension was extended by the appeal committee to apply from November 11 to November 25. He will be free to play on 26 November,” the ruling said.

New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Steve Tew, who attended the appeal hearing with Thomson, told Radio Sport he had no objections.
“We are very happy with the outcome. We think it is fair and appropriate,” he said.

Thomson has already effectively served the ban after not being considered for last week’s Test against Italy and this weekend’s clash with Wales. He will be available for selection to play England in London next week.




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