IRB Statement regarding Marius Tincu Suspension

The IRB has asked the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) to submit a complete record of the events, decisions and procedures that resulted in the apparent breach of sanction and Tincu taking to the field against Castres Olympique. On receipt of the report the IRB will decide on the appropriate course of action.

Tincu was originally suspended for 18 weeks after an Independent Disciplinary Committee found the player guilty of foul play during the Round 2 Heineken Cup Pool 3 match against the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, 18 October, 2008. A subsequent appeal against the suspension imposed upon the player was dismissed by an ERC Committee of Appeal on November 14.

The universal application of sanctions is a key element of the Rugby specific sanctioning regime developed to cater for the unique characteristics of the Sport and remains in operation under IRB and Rugby regulations worldwide.