IRB to appeal 'unduly lenient' Thomson ban
Thomson, yellow-carded during the world champions' 51-22 win over Scotland at Murrayfield on November 11, was subsequently cited for stamping on Strokosch.
LONDON, Nov 21, 2012 (AFP) - The International Rugby Board (IRB) said it would appeal against the “unduly lenient” one-week ban handed down to New Zealand's Adam Thomson for stamping on Scotland's Alasdair Strokosch.
Thomson, yellowcarded during the world champions' 51-22 win over Scotland at Murrayfield on November 11, was subsequently cited for stamping on Strokosch.
But despite independent IRB judicial officer JeanNoel Couraud finding him guilty of an offence at a hearing in London last Wednesday, the Frenchman imposed a ban of just one week.
However, the global governing body can initiate an appeal under a revised regulation in its own rulebook which took effect on June 1.
An IRB statement issued Wednesday said: “The International Rugby Board has confirmed that it will appeal what it strongly believes to be an unduly lenient sanction handed down to New Zealand forward Adam Thomson for stamping or trampling on the head of an opponent.
“As custodians of rugby worldwide, the IRB has a duty to protect its image, values and integrity together with the welfare of players at all levels in order that the sport can continue its unprecedented growth and welcome more men, women and children to the rugby family.