Japan second-row Warner Dearns appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, 19 November, having received a red card for an offence contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackling) in Japan’s international match against Uruguay on Saturday, 16 November, 2024.

The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Antony Davies (England), joined by former international players Bogdan Zebega (Romania) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa).

The player accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but challenged the referee’s decision that the act warranted a red card.

Having considered all the available evidence, including the application of World Rugby’s Head Contact Process, the submissions by the player and his representatives, and all available camera angles, the independent Committee determined that the red card was upheld.

On that basis, and in considering the sanction, the independent Committee applied World Rugby’s mandatory minimum mid-range entry point for foul play resulting in head contact (six matches). Taking all considerations into account, including the player’s early acknowledgment of foul play and his clear remorse, the independent Committee determined that mitigation of two matches was appropriate, resulting in a final sanction of four matches to be applied as follows:

• England v Japan – 24 November, 2024
• Two of the following Japan Rugby League One pre-season matches: 
• Toshiba Brave Lupus v Suntory Sungoliath – 30 November, 2024
• Toshiba Brave Lupus v Yokohama Canon Eagles – 7 December, 2024
• Toshiba Brave Lupus v AZ Con-Maruwa – 13 December, 2024
• Yokohama Canon Eagles v Toshiba Brave Lupus (Japan Rugby League One - Round one) – 22 December, 2024

The player has the right of appeal within 48 hours of the issuing of the full written decision, which will appear here once published.