The Wasps breathed a sigh of relief at noon on Wednesday after it emerged that Brad Shields had been allowed to play without a ban following his red card in last Saturday’s win over Bristol. The New Zealand-born English rower was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in his club’s opening game of the Premiership season. There were concerns that a ban would exclude the 30-year-old from this weekend’s trip to Newcastle, but he has now been cleared and is available for selection.

An RFU statement read: “Brad Shields had his disciplinary case heard on paper by Matthew Weaver as the sole bailiff. Shields was sent off by referee Karl Dickson in the 67th minute of the game against Bristol on September 25. These were two yellow cards, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.27. Each yellow card was awarded for indictable offense. The player accepted the charge and Weaver considered the infraction sufficient. Shields is free to replay immediately.

In the written judgment that accompanied Shields’ hearing outcome statement, Weaver summarized: “The Wasps provided detailed written submissions dealing with the characterization of the incident and the mitigating and aggravating factors. Shields pleaded at the earliest opportunity, although he argued that he was not deliberately trying to collapse either maul, but did not believe that a maul had formed and therefore sought to make a legal tackle in each case.

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“He has a clean criminal record and has very good character. A character reference from Wasps coach Lee Blackett was provided to the panel. He is a very experienced international player, playing over 100 Super Rugby games for the Hurricanes, many of them as captain. He has played over 50 games for the Wasps and is currently the team captain. He won eight international caps for England.

“The fact that with the exception of these two yellow cards, the player has previously received only two other yellow cards, and no red cards, during his career is to his credit. His behavior on and off the pitch has always been exemplary. The club argued that there was no relevant aggravating factor.

Former All Blacks midfielder Malakai Fekitoa was set to represent Tonga against Scotland and England, but the Wasps have now released a disappointing update # Wasps #Tonga #All Blackshttps://t.co/sMqvGEjplm

– RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 28, 2021

“The mandatory entry point is one week and as such a 50% mitigation, which I have no doubt the player would be entitled to, does not reduce the penalty below one week . This does not, in my view, do justice to the fact that the player did not, on his own account, intend to commit the acts of foul play; that the acts were not overtly dangerous and did not cause no injury to another player and no serious negative impact on the match; and it ignores the player’s early admission of guilt.

“Further, this does not give the player any recognition of his previous blank disciplinary record and other mitigating issues put forward on his behalf. In these circumstances, therefore, I consider Rule 19.11.12 to apply and a suspension. playing for a week would be a totally disproportionate sanction for the level and type of offenses committed, and as such I consider the expulsion sufficient.

“Half of my comrades who have already retired say, ‘Don’t retire. Do as much as you can cause it’s hard on the other side ‘

Stay in shape at 38?
Give up the All Blacks dream?
How has rugby changed?
The kick that haunts him?@jimmygopps talk to @heagneyl ??? https: //t.co/5u0qxKNIOE

– RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 25, 2021