Wallaroos players and coaches have expressed their “surprise” and “shock” at the three-week World Rugby ban issued to USA centre Alev Kelter following last week’s red card incident.
Kelter, 34, was sent off during Australia’s 27-19 Pacific Four victory in Canberra with Aimee Barrett-Theron ruling Kelter “clearly” stamped on Georgina Friedrichs’ head in the 78th minute.
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However, World Rugby's independent Disciplinary Committee found that Kelter was not deliberately targeting the head and that the contact was grazing rather than direct.
This finding – coupled with Kelter’s “disciplinary record, early acknowledgment of foul play and her clear remorse” - resulted in a three-week ban that will see the 2023 Olympic bronze medallist only miss this weekend’s Pacific Four clash with New Zealand and two club fixtures back in the United States.
The result also means Kelter will be available for selection against Australia in their Rugby World Cup pool clash in August.
Wallaroos and Australian Sevens star Charlotte Caslick described the incident as “savage” while rising fullback Caitlyn Halse argued the World Rugby verdict sets a “whole new precedent for the game”.
“Alev’s really tough on the field but a really nice person off it and my dealings with her have always been really good … but everyone’s a little bit shocked by the fact it was only three weeks,” Caslick told rugby.com.au on Wednesday.
“Obviously it was a pretty hectic incident. I don’t know the details they go into in their judicial meetings so can’t comment on that but I feel like it was pretty savage and poor Georgie was a little bit banged up after it."
“I personally think there’s no room in the game for that sort of behaviour,” Halse added.
“In the men’s game in the past, similar incidents have been faced with 12-16 week bans.
"Some (were) cut down due to other reasons but three weeks is setting a whole new precedent for the game.”
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp expressed relief Friedrichs didn’t suffer greater injury and admitted she had expected Kelter to receive a longer ban.
“I think (Friedrichs) is fairly lucky there not to have had a more serious injury,” Yapp told rugby.com.au.
“In terms of the ban, I’m surprised it wasn’t more. I’ve seen more given (for) incidents like that in the past.”
The Wallaroos have made five changes to their matchday squad for Friday's Pacific Four Clash with Canada headlined by Caslick's move from the wing to inside centre.
