Queensland Rugby (QRU) advises it will not appeal the SANZAR judicial ruling to suspend St.George Queensland Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper on a dangerous tackle charge to avoid further disruption to its team’s title defence which continues in two days time.
Cooper was handed a one-match suspension by Judicial Officer Paul Tully on Monday evening after it was ruled that Cooper contravened Law 10.4 (e) Dangerous Tackling when he made contact to the chest and shoulders of Waratahs player Berrick Barnes during Saturday night’s match at Suncorp Stadium.
After fully considering the SANZAR transcript received at midday today, QRU still firmly believes that the tackle in question did not reach the red card threshold at which Cooper was initially cited and therefore did not warrant any further action than the yellow card which was awarded by referee Steve Walsh at the time.
Also, evidence presented to the video conference over a four-and-a-half hour period, failed to validate the citing commissioner’s claim that Cooper’s tackle initially made contact with Barnes’ head, in QRU’s opinion.
Chairman Rod McCall and CEO Jim Carmichael also believe there is now insufficient time to lodge an appeal after today’s transcript receipt.
“We initially anticipated we would gain a better understanding of the decision by the Judicial Officer though obtaining the full SANZAR transcripts,” Mr Carmichael said.
“However, they failed to reveal any further detail or clarification on why the judgement was made and the delay in receiving these documents has made it near impossible to mount an appeal.”
After ongoing discussions with SANZAR CEO Greg Peters, QRU will instead formally write to SANZAR to outline their concerns and seek clarification around a range of points.
It has also been agreed that this will also form part of the review process that the Super Rugby franchises, the ARU and SANZAR undertake on an annual basis.
Coach Ewen McKenzie and the Reds team are continuing in their preparations for Saturday’s FxPro Super Rugby Qualifying Final against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium. Tickets to match are still available through Ticketek - http://premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/show.aspx?sh=REDSSEMI12
If the Reds defeat the Sharks on Saturday night, Cooper will be free to return for the semi-final against the Chiefs in Hamilton next week.