Rebels prop Taniela Tupou cleared to face Drua after dangerous cleanout citing

Mon, May 27, 2024, 10:23 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Match Highlights: Round 14 v Rebels

Melbourne Rebels prop Taniela Tupou has escaped with a warning after his dangerous cleanout during their defeat to the Brumbies.

Tupou was cited by the SANZAAR Judiciary Committee after launching himself into ACT lock Darcy Swain during the 53-17 defeat.

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It left the Wallaby on the ground, with the tighthead prop not sanctioned on the field for the incident.

Tupou had his case heard on Monday, with the prop facing a potential three-match ban for his actions.

However, the Judicial Committee found the foul play did not breach the red card threshold after review of the footage showed no contact with the head.

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Harry Forrester, the Foul Play Review Committee found the foul play did not reach the Red Card threshold," they ruled.

"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a Warning as it was close to, but did not reach the Red Card threshold.

“Fortunately, no head contact or significant injury resulted from the incident.  Had there been head contact and/or a more severe injury, the outcome may well have been a different one for the Player.

"In light of the above, the citing was dismissed with a Warning sanction imposed on the Player for the offence which will remain on the Player’s record."

It clears the 28-year-old to play on Saturday against the Fijian Drua and next week's finals season.

Rebels flyhalf Carter Gordon is also expected back in the side after his concussion in their narrow defeat to the Chiefs.

Gordon passed the on-field test and returned to the field but registered symptoms after the game.

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