Senatore Suspended for 10 weeks, to miss June Internationals

Los Jaguares back-rower Leonardo Senatore has been found guilty of contravening Law 10.4 (m) Acts contrary to good sportsmanship – Biting. SANZAAR’s Judicial Hearing this morning handed the number 8 a 10 week ban, ruling him out of upcoming Super Rugby and international duty with Los Pumas.

Senatore was cited for a second half incident in Los Jaguares home match against the Sharks in Buenos Aires on Saturday. The Judicial committee determined that: “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, Stephan Weyers, the Judicial Committee upheld the citing under Law 10.4(m) acts contrary to good sportsmanship – biting.”

“With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of 12 weeks. The Judicial Committee then added 2 weeks for aggravation as this was the player’s second offence for biting. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s good character, his playing record and his disciplinary record the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to a period of ten weeks.”

The incident occurred when Keegan Daniel took Senatore to ground high, securing him around the neck. Having held him to the ground Senatore responded by biting the Sharks flanker. Senatore was previously suspended for nine weeks for biting in a Rugby Championship home international against South Africa in Mendoza in 2013.

His suspension starts immediately and will run until the final weekend of the Super Rugby regular season.  His season, in other words, is over with his next available playing time being the July 22 weekend which marks the beginning of the Super Rugby play-offs.

Also suspended is captain Agustín Creevy. The hooker was banned for one week for a dangerous tackle on Jean Deysel. Raúl Pérez named Facundo Bosch as his replacement for this coming Saturday’s away match against the Lions in Johannesburg. Creevy will join the team for the following Friday’s fixture away to the Kings in Port Elizabeth.

With Senatore out now too veteran back-rower Juan Manuel Leguizamón is now on his way to join the team in South Africa. Leguizamón is likely to feature as back-up to Facundo Isa who is set to start at the back of the scrum on Saturday.