Sent off after half an hour of play against Ireland at the opening of the Six Nations Tournament, second row Paul Willemse was suspended for four weeks on Tuesday and will miss the Blues’ next two matches.
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The puzzle continues at the second line position for Fabien Galthié. Already deprived of Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaut Flament and Romain Taofifenua, the French XV saw Paul Willemse be suspended for four weeks by the Tournament disciplinary committee, this Tuesday, February 6, after his expulsion against Ireland. The Montpellier second line was excluded for two shoulder tackles on Andrew Porter (9th) then Caelan Doris (32nd).
“The commission recognized that while both actions were reckless, there was no evidence to suggest that the player acted maliciously or intentionally in either case. The commission also emphasized that the player had behaved admirably during the proceedings, and had shown remorse for his actions.”justified the Six Nations to explain the sanction.
Paul Willemse will miss the match in Scotland this Saturday, then the one against Italy on Sunday February 25. He will also be suspended for two Top 14 matches with his club Montpellier, on the lawns of Racing 92 and Oyonnax. He could, however, reduce the sanction by one week if he follows World Rugby’s monitoring program.
