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Super Rugby Pacific: Reds lock Angus Blyth suspended for three weeks for ‘reckless’ tackle

Reds second-row Angus Blyth has received a three-week suspension for an illegal tackle during last weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific encounter against the Brumbies in Brisbane.

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Blyth has been suspended from all forms of the game up to and including May 6.

Early exit

The incident occurred in the ninth minute of the Round Seven encounter which the Brumbies won 52-24 at Suncorp Stadium on April 7.

Blyth received a red card after a head-high tackle on Brumbies wing Corey Toole and the Reds lock made no attempt to wrap his arms while making the hit.

Referee Ben O’Keeffe initially yellow-carded Blyth for the offence but it was upgraded to a red card shortly afterwards following a review on the incident.

Toole played no further part in the match after leaving the field for a HIA which he failed.

The SANZAAR foul play review committee of Michael Heron (chairman), John Langford and Stefan Terblanche assessed the case.

In his finding, Heron ruled the following:

“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including submissions from the player and his legal representative, Mark Martin KC, the foul play review committee upheld the red card under Law 9.13.

“With respect to sanction the foul play review committee considered the act of foul play was reckless, direct head contact was made and with high force.

“The committee found it was not deliberate and after considering all relevant factors decided the foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks.

Mitigating factors reduces suspension

“However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s clean judicial record and his acceptance of guilt at the first available opportunity, the foul play review committee reduced the suspension to three weeks.”

“The player is therefore suspended for three weeks, up to and including 6 May 2023.”

Blyth’s suspension means he will miss the Reds‘ clash with Moana Pasifika in Apia on Friday as well as his team’s Super Rugby Pacific matches against the Western Force and Waratahs in Brisbane and Townsville respectively.