Nabuliwaqa gets a six-week ban
Monday February 13 2006
Flying Fijian back for Commonwealth Games
Fijian flyer Lepani Nabuliwaqa has been handed a six-week, after being cited and found guilty of a dangerous tackle while playing for his country in the Los Angeles Sevens, Round Four of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens series at the weekend.
However, Nabuliwaqa missed only two matches in LA and will again be available when his country competes at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, on March 16 and 17 - the next Sevens event.
It all happened in the quarter-final of the LA Sevens at the Home Depot Centre in Carson, where Fiji booked their place in the Cup semi-finals by beating France 29-5, but not without controversy.
Reports from LA said Nabuliwaqa was lucky to stay on the pitch.
Nabuliwaqa was cited by independent Citing Officer John West (Ireland) and Judicial Officer Chris Morrison (New Zealand) for a 'dangerous tackle' in the match.
As a result of the hearing, held at the Home Depot Center on Sunday 12 February, Nabuliwaqa received a six-week ban, including Fiji's two remaining matches at the USA Sevens, both of which count for one week.
Nabuliwaqa was therefore banned until midnight on 13 March, making him available for selection at the Commonwealth Games.
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