Rebels’ Higginbotham and Stirzaker cited

Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham and halfback Nic Stirzaker have both been cited for Stamping or trampling in their 10-20 victory over the Crusaders.

Higginbotham is alleged to have contravened 10.4 (b) Stamping or trampling in the 50th minute while Stirzaker was cited for trampling in the 3rd minute.

Stirzaker was yellow carded for trampling on Richie McCaw in the third minute but upon further review of the match footage the SANZAR Super Rugby match citing Commissioner Duty Judicial Officer Nicholas Davidson QC deemed in his opinion the incident had met the red card threshold for foul play.

Higginbotham escaped sanction during the match but on further review of the match footage Davidson also deemed that in his opinion the incident had met the red card threshold for foul play.

Both citings will be considered by SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer Nicholas Davidson QC.

All SANZAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to a Duty Judicial Officer hearing to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.

For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the DJO.

Player: Nic Stirzaker
Team: Rebels
Position: Scrumhalf
Date of Incident: 13 February 2015
Nature of Offence: 10.4 (b) Stamping or trampling. A player must not stamp or trampled an opponent.
Elapsed time in match when incident occurred: 3rd minute

Player: Scott Higginbotham
Team: Rebels
Position: No. 8
Date of Incident: 13 February 2015
Nature of Offence: 10.4 (b) Stamping or trampling. A player must not stamp or trampled an opponent.
Elapsed time in match when incident occurred: 50th minute