Sharks wing Mapimpi banned for two weeks for eye-gouging

The committee, which consisted of Antony Davies (England), Leon Lloyd (England) and Donal Courtney (Ireland), heard submissions from Mapimpi, the player’s legal representative Attie Heyns, Sharks team manager Trevor Barnes and Sharks head of team culture André Barnard.

Evidence was also heard from Lucu and EPCR disciplinary officer Liam McTiernan, tournament organisers said.

“The committee upheld the citing complaint, finding Mapimpi had made reckless contact with Lucu’s eye area, which warranted a red card, and it determined the offending was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and four weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point,” the EPCR said.