Digicel Pacific Islanders Media Release 22 November

Back Rower Banned for Three Weeks

Digicel Pacific Islanders back rower Viliami Vaki faced a Six Nations judiciary panel today following his citing for a dangerous tackle during the 34-22 defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday

After presentation of the arguments the panel retired and decided that Vaki did indeed have a case to answer. They subsequently suspended the Tongan back rower for three weeks until December 10.

The disciplinary committee comprised Terry Vaux ( Wales ), Antony Davies ( England ) and
Mike Rafter (England).

Digicel Pacific Islanders manager Mr Joe Browne expressed his gratitude for the manner in which the proceedings were conducted:

“I felt we were given a fair hearing but it came down to a simple choice between our version of events as opposed to what the panel perceived.

“I feel extremely upset for the Pacific Islanders and for Viliami himself. He is a good and proud man, has played for and captained Tonga with great distinction and had gained in confidence during his time on tour.

“This is a big blow to him”.

The panel took Vaki’s exemplary record, a heartfelt character reference from Joe Browne as well as a glowing letter from PRL CEO Sakopo Lolohea into account before announcing a three week ban.

Digicel Pacific Islanders media manager Dave Arthur said:

“The offence was graded as medium severity and could have attracted a six week suspension.

“Viliami’s remorse that he had caused injury to a fellow professional together with his impeccable personal and playing record allowed the panel to give him a 50% discount for which we are very grateful.”

Vaki was cited following an incident early in the match where scrum half Chris Cusiter was injured and had to leave the field. Scottish management asked match commissioner Matt Bayliss to examine a number of incidents however only this one was brought before the three man panel.

Digicel Pacific Islanders management has 48 hours to lodge an appeal however no decision as to whether this will happen has been taken.

The Digicel Pacific Islanders will play Ireland in the final ever Test match at Lansdowne Road on Sunday 26 November.