SBW appeals All Blacks test ban
WELLINGTON: Sonny Bill Williams is appealing how the ban imposed on him for his second test sendoff against the British and Irish Lions is applied.
Williams has appealed against the World Rugby Judicial Committee’s decision not to include the All Blacks’ final Bledisloe Cup warmup match on August 11 in the fourweek suspension, NZ Rugby said yesterday in a statement.
The highprofile midfield back became the first All Black in 50 years to be sent off in a test when he was redcarded for a shoulder charge on Lions winger Anthony Watson early in the 2421 second test loss.
Williams will miss the first Bledisloe test against Australia as part of his fourweek ban, World Rugby earlier confirmed.
Williams received a fourweek suspension, equating to four meaningful matches.
He missed the drawn third test with the Lions, and the Blues’ final Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves.
Two preseason Counties-Manukau matches, one against North Harbour and one an intersquad match, were presented by NZ Rugby as completing the fourmatch ban.
But the disciplinary committee which handed down Williams’ ban found the intersquad match did not meet the grade as a meaningful match.
The All Blacks’ final hitout before the Bledisloe Cup, shortened games on August 11 involving CountiesManukau and Taranaki, was also deemed a training match and could not be counted.
Consequently, Williams faces sitting out the first test against Australia on August 19 in Sydney.
‘‘Since the hearing on July 2, the disciplinary committee has been receiving and reviewing additional submissions and evidence from the player’s side relating to his upcoming schedule of matches,’’ World Rugby said in a statement.
‘‘Following due consideration, the disciplinary committee has ruled that Williams’ suspension will extend up to and including August 19.’’
Williams’ challenge will be decided by an appeal committee. — NZN