Nanai cops three-week ban for hit on England wing

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Worcester Warriors fullback Melani Nanai appeared before a virtual independent disciplinary panel following his red-card against Gloucester.

Nanai was dismissed by referee Christophe Ridley for a dangerous tackle on Jonny May during Worcester’s 15-44 defeat on Saturday.

Consequently, the fullback has been given a three-match ban at an RFU disciplinary hearing.

*Read: Nanai to face the music

RFU released a statement confirming the suspension.

"He was shown a red card by referee Christophe Ridley in the 19th minute of the match between Worcester Warriors and Gloucester on Saturday. This was for a dangerous charge on Gloucester’s Jonny May, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.16.

“Nanai accepted the charge and was given a three-match suspension by the independent panel comprising Ian Unsworth (chair), with Mitch Read and Tony Wheat.

“The panel applied the mandatory mid-range entry point (due to contact with the head) and allowed the player the full 50 percent mitigation. Nanai is free to play again on September 1.”

The ban means that he will miss Friday’s trip to Wasps, along with the follow-up fixtures against Harlequins and log-leaders Exter Chiefs.

May, who failed his HIA in the aftermath of the collision, is expected to return to contact training at Gloucester art Thursday, according to the medical report submitted to the hearing by his club.

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Meanwhile, Wasps centre Malakai Fekitoa was suspended for one match.

The All Blacks received three yellow cards for foul play in the 2019/20 season contrary to Law 9.27.

An independent disciplinary panel comprising Ian Unsworth QC (chair), with Mitch Read and Tony Wheat considered Fekitoa's case on papers and gave the player a one-match suspension. He is free to play again on August 25, 2020.