Paul Willemse, already suspended for four weeks this winter for his red card received with the France team in the opening match of the Six Nations Tournament against Ireland in early February in Marseille (17-38), received a new five-week suspension by an independent commission Wednesday evening.
The international second row (31 years old, 32 caps) received a second red card this season on Sunday during the round of 16 of the Challenge Cup lost by Montpellier against Ulster (17-40), following a dangerous tackle on fullback Will Addison.
Hard blow for the MHR
With two reds in just over two months (four in total in his career) and three yellows since the start of the season, Paul Willemse risked a suspension of up to fifty-two weeks.
The disciplinary committee viewed video footage of the incident and heard testimony from Willemse, who accepted the red card decision. She also heard the statements of the player’s legal representative and Bernard Laporte. She upheld the red card and found the offense to be at the medium level of World Rugby’s penalty scale. She selected an entry point of six weeks.
Taking into account the fact that the player pleaded guilty, the committee decided to reduce the sanction by one week, before imposing a five-week suspension on the player. Given that Willemse is currently injured, the precise dates of his suspension period will be communicated as soon as possible. The player and the EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
This is a hard blow for Montpellier, fighting to remain in the Top 14, which should miss at least four days of the Championship.
