Lions flanker’s suspension cut by a week

Lions flanker Michael Rhodes’ suspension has been reduced by one week after he appealed an initial six week ban.

A SANZAR Appeal Committee, chaired by Nigel Hampton QC of New Zealand, with Terry Willis (Australia) and Jannie Lubbe SC (South Africa) as members heard, via tele-conference, an appeal by Rhodes against a six-week suspension imposed on 31 May for a dangerous roll-out in the Lions’ Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Dunedin on 28 May.

Formers Sharks player Rhodes’ legal counsel submitted that the sanction imposed should be reduced from an effective six matches to four matches.

The Appeal Committee determined that in all circumstances the suspension should be reduced to five matches and, having regard for the player’s match schedule, decided that he be suspended from all rugby up to and including 24 July 2011.

Rhodes was originally suspended until 31 July after SANZAR Judicial Officer, Nick Davidson QC, ruled that in order for his suspension to be effective it should encompass six matches.