Portugal’s Rafael Simões attended an independent Disciplinary Committee hearing after he was cited for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) in Portugal’s Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool C match against Wales on 16 September.
The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Jean-Noël Couraud (France), joined by former international player Leon Lloyd (England) and former international coach Frank Hadden (Scotland).
The player accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but submitted that it did not reach the red card threshold.
Having considered all the available evidence, including the application of World Rugby’s Head Contact Process, the submissions by the player and his representative, and all available camera angles and technology, the independent Committee determined that :
- An act of foul play had occurred;
- The degree of force was not sufficiently high to meet the red card threshold and the citing was therefore not upheld.
The player is free to play with immediate effect. A full written decision will appear here once published.
Watch the video that explains how rugby’s disciplinary process works and visit World Rugby’s dedicated disciplinary process education and information.
