Johannesburg - Lions flank Michael Rhodes's suspension has been reduced by one week.
A SANZAR Appeal Committee, chaired by Nigel Hampton QC of New Zealand, with Terry Willis (Australia) and Jannie Lubbe SC (South Africa) as members, heard via tele-conference an appeal by Rhodes against a six-week suspension imposed on May 31 for a dangerous roll-out in the Lions' Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Dunedin on May 28.
Rhodes's legal counsel submitted that the sanction imposed should be reduced from an effective six matches to four matches.
The Appeal Committee determined that in all circumstances the suspension should be reduced to five matches and, having regard for the player's match schedule, decided that he be suspended from all rugby up to and including July 24, 2011.
Rhodes was originally suspended until July 31 after SANZAR Judicial Officer, Nick Davidson QC, ruled that in order for his suspension to be effective it should encompass six matches.
A SANZAR Appeal Committee, chaired by Nigel Hampton QC of New Zealand, with Terry Willis (Australia) and Jannie Lubbe SC (South Africa) as members, heard via tele-conference an appeal by Rhodes against a six-week suspension imposed on May 31 for a dangerous roll-out in the Lions' Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Dunedin on May 28.
Rhodes's legal counsel submitted that the sanction imposed should be reduced from an effective six matches to four matches.
The Appeal Committee determined that in all circumstances the suspension should be reduced to five matches and, having regard for the player's match schedule, decided that he be suspended from all rugby up to and including July 24, 2011.
Rhodes was originally suspended until July 31 after SANZAR Judicial Officer, Nick Davidson QC, ruled that in order for his suspension to be effective it should encompass six matches.