Hines stamped out for six weeks

Clermont Auvergne lock, Nathan Hines has been suspended for six weeks for stamping on Scarlets wing Morgan Stoddart in their European Cup clash last week.

Hines attended an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin on Thursday, after a complaint was made by Citing Commissioner, John Cole.

The independent Judicial Officer, Simon Thomas, heard evidence and submissions from Hines, who pleaded not guilty to the offence, and from his legal representative, John O'Donnell. He also heard submissions from ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor.

The Judicial Officer upheld the citing complaint and found that Hines had stamped on his opponent and had connected on more than one occasion.

Employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4 (b), he determined that the offence was at the mid-range entry point of five weeks. When considering aggravating factors, he added one week due to the player's poor disciplinary record, and imposed a suspension of six weeks.

Hines will be free to play on 26 November 2012. Both ERC and the player have the right to appeal the decision.

Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors wing, Tommy Seymour, has been suspended for one week following another independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin on Thursday as a result of a citing made against him from the European Cup match against Northampton Saints last week.

The complaint was made by Citing Commissioner, Yves Thieffine, for an alleged dangerous tackle on the Northampton Saints wing, Vasily Artemyev, during the second half of the match at Franklin's Gardens.

The independent Judicial Officer, Simon Thomas, heard evidence and submissions from Seymour, who pleaded not guilty to foul play, and from Glasgow Warriors, Director of Rugby, Gregor Townsend and Seymour's legal representative.

The Judicial Officer upheld the citing complaint and employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(j), he decided that the offence warranted a low-end entry point of four weeks.

However, when considering the very specific circumstances of the tackle, the Judicial Officer felt that a four week suspension would be "wholly disproportionate".  Accordingly, and based on the presence of a number of mitigating factors, including Seymour's clean record, the Judicial Officer reduced the sanction to a one week suspension.

Seymour will be free to play on 22 October 2012.  Both ERC and the player have the right to appeal the decision.