Daniel Lienert-Brown Handed Three-Week Suspension for Dangerous Tackle
New Zealand All Blacks centre Daniel Lienert-Brown has been suspended for three weeks following a dangerous tackle during the Chiefs’ Super Rugby Pacific final loss to the Crusaders, according to a report by rugby.com.au.
The suspension, which spans until 29 July 2023, will see Lienert-Brown miss the first two games of the Rugby Championship, including New Zealand’s Tests against Argentina on 9 July and South Africa on 15 July. The Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) upheld the citing under Law 9.13, citing reckless behavior with direct head-to-head contact, high force, and no significant mitigating factors.
“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the FPRC upheld the citing under Law 9.13,” stated FPRC Chair Michael Heron KC. “The FPRC found the incident was dangerous and, after considering the relevant factors, decided the foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks.”
However, the committee reduced the suspension by three weeks, taking into account Lienert-Brown’s exemplary record and guilty plea. The player will also be eligible to apply for the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, which could shorten his suspension by an additional week if approved.
Lienert-Brown, who was included in the All Blacks squad announced on 18 June 2023, could potentially return for the first Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia in Melbourne on 29 July, depending on the outcome of his application.
The incident has sparked discussions about player safety and the enforcement
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