Independent Disciplinary update: Paul Willemse Decision
France Number 12, Jonathan Danty, today appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee via video link having received a red card for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 in the match between France and Italy on Sunday 25 February 2024.
The independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Jennifer Donovan – Chair (Ireland), Leon Lloyd (England) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) heard the case and considered all the available evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives.
The player admitted that he had committed an act of foul play and that it had been worthy of a red card. The Disciplinary Committee accepted that the player had acted recklessly, and not maliciously or with intent. The Disciplinary Committee also highlighted that the player had accepted guilt at the earliest opportunity and shown immediate remorse on the field of play.
On that basis and applying World Rugby’s mandatory sanctioning provisions, the Disciplinary Committee concluded that the incident warranted a mid-range entry point of six weeks suspension. Mitigating factors (the player’s apology, acknowledgement of guilt and good conduct at the hearing) were applied, reducing the six-week entry point by two weeks. However, one further week was added for aggravating factors (the player’s disciplinary record) resulting in a five-week playing suspension.
The sanction is to be served as the following given the player’s upcoming schedule;
9 or 10 March 2024 - La Rochelle v Stade Français, Top 14 OR Wales vs France, Six Nations
16 March 2024 – France vs England, Six Nations
23 March 2024 – Bayonne vs La Rochelle, Top 14
30 March 2024 - La Rochelle vs Oyonnax, Top 14
6 April 2024 – Stormers vs La Rochelle, EPCR Champions Cup *
* The player has additionally been given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme to substitute the final match of his sanction which is aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play. Further information can be found here.
The player has the right of appeal.
