Aussie Rugby Player 'Big Dog' Rory Arnold Banned in South Africa
Aussie rugby player Rory Arnold faced a seven-match ban on Wednesday.
The ban was imposed on him as a punitive measure because Arnold bit his opponent in a match in the Currie Cup last weekend. The ban meant that this is the end of Arnold's participation for the season unless the GWK Griquas manage to reach the final.
The 127 kg debutant Rory Arnold was shown the red card on the 62nd minute after an opponent claimed that he was allegedly bitten by Arnold. The incident apparently took place when Arnold got involved in a pushover effort. Hooker Ethienne Reynecke even showed bite marks on his arm as evidence of the allegation.
Arnold pleaded not guilty. However, television match official Gerrie Coetzee was convinced the bite was deliberate. And judicial officer Peter Ingwersen charged Arnold for the act as his offence was proven on the basis of probabilities as well as the spontaneous and immediate reaction of the victim.
Arnold played for New South Wales-Queensland Country when they played against the touring British and Irish Lions earlier this year. He was hired by the GWK Griquas to solve a lock crisis due to injuries. Arnold, 23, is known as "Big Dog" among fans.
Earlier, Leonardo Senatore faced a ban for 9 weeks when he was proven to have bitten Eben Etzebeth, another South African who got bitten in the last 8 days. The Argentine had a mouthful of the South African during a critical match in Rugby Championship in Mendoza last Saturday.
Video source: YouTube/onRugbydump