“This is an unprecedented step taken by the IRB in what is the most
important rugby event staged in Australia since the 2003 Rugby World Cup,”
Pulver said, in a statement.
“While we respect the right of the IRB to intervene, we also respect the
knowledge and experience of appointed – and independent – judicial officers,
and their expertise to consider evidence and reach sound findings.
“James Horwill was cleared of the stamping charge as per the IRB’s
established judicial process.
“We are surprised and disappointed that the finding of Mr Hampton
(judicial officer) is now not only under question, but deemed to be
‘erroneous’.
“In the midst of an extraordinarily successful series that has been 12
years in the making, the re-hearing process – not even taking into
consideration the possible outcomes – has the potential to cause serious
disruption to the Wallabies and the positive atmosphere surrounding the
tour.
“The ARU in no way condones foul play.
“However, the process was followed according to IRB regulations and the
decision of an independent judicial officer handed down. What has occurred
subsequently is without precedent.”
Television replays showed Queensland Reds lock Horwill bring his right boot
down on to the head of Jones, who was lying at the bottom of a ruck and
later needed stitches above his left eye.
The Lions subsequently referred the incident to the match citing officer, but
Horwill escaped punishment from independent judicial officer, New Zealander
Nigel Hampton QC, amid a chorus of disbelief that he was not suspended.
The IRB has now confirmed its appeal stance to the ARU following what it
described as an extensive review of the case.
In a statement, the IRB said: “As the 2013 Lions tour falls within the
scope of the IRB merit-based appointment scheme approved by the IRB Council,
the IRB has the right to appeal any decision arising from matches under the
scheme.
“Furthermore, given its duty to preserve player welfare at all levels of
the game, the IRB is compelled to further examine potential acts of foul
play which either potentially or in reality impact on the preservation of
player welfare.
“It is important for the IRB to ensure amongst all stakeholders in the
game that there is full confidence that priority is given to player welfare
and the values of the game.”
Speaking today before the IRB’s appeal was announced, Wallabies coach Robbie
Deans applauded the decision to clear Horwill.
“I’ve had a lot of experience in these processes and I was part of this
process and privy to it,” Deans said.
“I can’t discuss it publicly for obvious reasons, but we were satisfied
with the process and felt it was just and fair.”
Under regulation 17.22.2, the IRB has the right to appeal disciplinary
decisions, but it has never invoked the rule for a not-guilty verdict.
Its only previous intervention led to New Zealand forward Adam Thomson having
a one-week ban – also imposed for stamping – increased to two weeks last
November on appeal from the IRB.
(Edited by Nick Pearce)
Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/406219/Corbisiero-handed-Lions-debut
Lions 2013: James Horwill intervention by International Rugby Board angers ...
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