Nikola Matawalu, the Glasgow Warriors scrum half, appeared before an independent RaboDirect PRO12 Disciplinary Committee in Cardiff having been cited by the independent Citing Commissioner for an alleged incident of foul play (biting an opponent, Munster’s Donncha O’Callaghan, contrary to Law 10.4(m)), arising from the RaboDirect PRO12match between Glasgow Warriors and Munster Rugby on Friday 25th October 2013.
The Committee, chaired by Roger Morris (Wales) alongside Rhian Williams (Wales) and Marco Cordelli (Italy), heard evidence and submissions on behalf the Disciplinary Officer and Mr Matawalu.
After a hearing lasting three-and-a-half hours, the committee found, on the balance of probabilities, that while MrMatawalu’s teeth had come into contact with Mr O’Callaghan’s arm, causing injury, this contact was accidental and therefore not an act of foul play. Accordingly, the citing was dismissed.
The Committee said that they had been impressed with the evidence given by all concerned, including MessrsO’Callaghan and Matawalu, and that they had no doubt that the citing commissioner was right to bring the complaint.
Nikola Matawalu is free to resume playing immediately.
Law 10.4 (m) – A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship in the playing enclosure.
FRU