Hughes off the hook over North concussion
NATHAN HUGHES last night had his ban for accidentally knocking out George North sensationally overturned on appeal, following an outcry on his behalf.
The Wasps No 8 was initially suspended for three matches, after a disciplinary panel ruled he had been ‘reckless’ for failing to prevent his knee colliding with the head of the Welsh Lion, as he scored a try for Northampton on March 27. Hughes was shown a red card for the offence, but that dismissal has now been officially rescinded.
Although it was accepted that there had been no intent, the Fijiborn player with England ambitions received a further sanction at the original hearing. Yet, in a stunning twist — and in light of fierce criticism — the ban was thrown out, as the appeal lodged by Wasps was up-held.
North has since been advised to take a minimum of a month off from playing to counteract his concussion symptoms.
Wasps were incensed the forward had been suspended — and their dismay was shared by others outside the club.
Captain James Haskell said: ‘Astounded would be an understatement,’ while fly-half Andy Goode added: ‘Really can’t believe or understand the ban for Nathan Hughes. There was no intent and I feel the accident has been judged on outcome.’
Former England player Austin Healey branded the sentence a ‘total joke’, a sentiment echoed by Harlequins captain Joe Marler.
Hughes missed his club’s Champions Cup defeat to holders Toulon last Sunday, as he awaited his appeal hearing. He is now free to return to action immediately, but is unlikely to play again until the visit of Exeter to Coventry on April 26.
Jeremy Summers, chairman of the appeal hearing panel, said: ‘The appeal panel considered it appropriate to hear the matter afresh. Having done so and having had the advantage of evidence not before the original panel, it concluded that no act of foul play took place in that the incident occurred accidentally.’
Meanwhile, the problem of potentially imbalanced funding for Premiership clubs has not been eradicated, despite a ‘oneoff ’ payment being made to London Welsh.
Premiership Rugby confirmed yesterday that agreement had been reached with the Exiles relating to a ‘ settlement on current financial issues’. Officials refused to divulge the size of the pay-off.
The Exiles had originally received a handout of £1.5m, compared to the £4m given to more established clubs. The uneven funding is based on a complex system whereby clubs earn or buy shares in the Premiership.
SAM BURGESS played an hour at flanker as his Bath side won 29- 19 in Newcastle last night. It was the rugby league convert’s first start in that position.