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Rush of blood costs Waikato lock

By Online Editors
Tuesday 6 Sep 2011

A judicial hearing into a head-butting incident during Saturday night's NPC Premiership Final in Hamilton, has resulted in a six-week suspension for Waikato lock Romana Graham.

The ban comes into effect at the start of the Chiefs' Super Rugby season next year.

Graham was cited under law 10.4 (a) for head-butting Canterbury fullback Sean Maitland in the 59th minute of the game.  Canterbury won the Final 12–3.

During the tele-conference hearing, judicial officer Nigel Hampton QC considered video evidence, and evidence presented by the player and his representatives.

While Graham admitted the charge, Mr Hampton considered the offence to be in the mid-range of seriousness.

He handed down a six week ban to take effect from the Chiefs' Super Rugby 2012 pre-season campaign.  Graham is banned from playing all rugby up to and including Wednesday 14 March 2012 ruling him out of the Chiefs' three pre-season Super Rugby matches, and their first three Super Rugby season matches.

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