Rays flanker suspended over tip tackle

Wed, Oct 18, 2017, 1:27 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Gareth Bautz was red-carded for the tip tackle. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
Gareth Bautz was red-carded for the tip tackle. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

Sydney Rays flanker Gareth Bautz won't play again this season, suspended for three weeks for a tip tackle.

Bautz lifted Canberra Vikings player Wharenui Hawera above the horizontal in the second half of the Rays' 71-14 loss to the Vikings, immediately sent off.

The flanker was contrite at the time and pleaded guilty to the offence at the judiciary on Tuesday night.

Judicial officer Steve Hardy said the offence was at the low end, resulting in the suspension, finishing on November 4.

With the Rays all but ruled out of finals, Bautz won't feature in the NRC again this season.

Share
Ardie Savea scored twice as Kobe Steelers outclassed Verblitz. Photo: Getty Images
All Blacks star as ex-Wallabies coach Rennie earns Japanese bragging rights
Five key talking points for the Wallaroos heading into 2026
Five key talking points for the Western Force heading into Super Rugby Pacific 2026
Wallaby Ikitau facing lengthy lay-off after shoulder injury