World Rugby have confirmed that Josh Larsen has been suspended following his red card for foul play against South Africa. The Canadian forward was sent off for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.20 (dangerous play in a ruck or maul) on October 08.
The player attended a disciplinary hearing in Tokyo today before an independent Judicial Committee involving Wang Shao Ing (Singapore lawyer and former international player), and former referees Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Valeriu Toma (Romania).
Larsen accepted and admitted the act of foul play, that he had contacted his opponent’s head and neck and accepted that it warranted a red card.
Taking into account the mitigating factors that are considered in relation to sanction, including the player’s clean disciplinary record, the committee reduced the six-week entry point by three weeks, resulting in a three week suspension.
The suspension means that Larsen will not be able to play for Canada vs Namibia in Kamaishi on Sunday. He will also not be able to play the opening two matches of the Major League Rugby (MLR) season for his new club, the New England Free Jacks. As such he is free to play again on February 16, 2020.