Rugby’s rules have had to change as the game has developed over time. It is an extremely violent sport with fast-paced play, significant contact, and aggressive players who are accustomed to some pretty severe hits. Rugby fans worldwide are called to book Six Nations 2024 tickets from our online platform ticketing. co. Rugby fans can book England Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
It is never worth putting other players in actual danger just to win the ball, thus strict regulations must be adhered to to maintain the game’s fairness and, most importantly, safety. Therefore, the most frequent reasons for a red card to be shown are tip tackles, risky activity in a ruck or maul, and dangerous tackling.
Since concussions are now considered more serious in sports, strict tackling regulations have become even more crucial. The RFU created the “Don’t be a HEADCASE” campaign to raise awareness of concussion symptoms and signs.
Despite this, there is still some confusion surrounding the red card because so much is up to the referees’ judgment. We’ll examine the red card, what situations call for one, and ten of the most notorious red cards ever issued in the game.
In rugby, what is a red card?
The first red card ever was not a card at all. The contentious dismissal took place on January 3, 1925, during an England vs. New Zealand match at Twickenham. Referee Albert Freethy threw New Zealand forward Cyril Brownlie off the field just seven minutes into the match for willfully kicking an England player who was lying on the ground.
Since this was the first time a player had been sent off in an international match, the decision caused a lot of controversy. Physical red cards were only added in the early 2000s, making this feature relatively new. As far as referees are concerned, the red card is the harshest penalty possible. It requires the player to instantly leave the field.
They are not allowed to come back or be replaced. During the whole game, the team has to play with one member down. If a referee chooses to issue a red card, there are numerous reasons why. The following are the most well-liked ones:
- Higher tackle
- Tackles without the use of arms, or shoulder charges, go straight to the head or neck of the ball carrier.
- Physical abuse (being bit, kicked, stamped, gouged, punched, or beaten by a player)
- Verbal mistreatment aimed against the official
- Attacking a player who does not have the ball
- Carelessly plunging into a maul or ruck
- Received two yellow cards
Red cards have a significant impact on the game because they automatically put the carded player’s team at a disadvantage, particularly if it occurs early in the match.
In rugby, how many matches do you miss because of a red card?
There’s no predetermined number of games that a player must miss after receiving a red card and getting sent off. Rather, the RFU’s sanction guidelines will be used as the basis for a disciplinary committee meeting to determine the appropriate penalty.
For low-level offenses including stiff-arm tackles, tripping, early and late tackles, and more, the penalty is two weeks; for serious, high-level offenses, it can be up to 260 weeks or even a lifetime ban. Biting or careless eye contact, as well as verbal or physical mistreatment of a match official, is considered the most serious rugby offense.
In rugby, who receives the most red cards?
Three players Paul Emerick of the United States, Alesana Tuilagi of Samoa, and Mario Cagnani of Uruguay have each been given two red cards. Nonetheless, Dylan Hartley, the former captain of England, is among the most notoriously erratic athletes. Throughout his career, Hartley was banned for 60 weeks due to a variety of offenses. Rugby fans can book England Vs France Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
Hartley was suspended for 26 weeks in 2007 for gouging two players Jonathan O’Connor of the Wasps and James Haskell of the team. He received an 8-week penalty in 2012 for biting Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris during a Six Nations game. An additional 2-week punishment for hitting Ulster’s Rory Best later in the same year. Hartley was banned for 11 weeks in 2013 for mistreating a referee; as a result. He was unable to participate in the Lions’ Australian trip.
There’s more: in 2014, Hartley was suspended for three weeks for improper use of his elbows. He was banned for four weeks in 2015 when he headbutted Jamie George of Saracens. It prevented him from competing in the World Cup. Ultimately, Hartley received a six-week ban in 2016 after swinging his arm at Sean O’Brien.
Ten Controversial Red Cards
Here is the List of the Top 10 Red cards assigned in the history of Rugby
Record Breaker of Dan Evans
Dan Evans of the Osprey was given a red card in 2019 after just 37 seconds after he struck an opponent in the face with his boot when he was catching a high ball. This red card is thought to be the fastest in professional rugby history.
Dylan Hartley’s repulsive comments
The presence of Hartley’s name on this list is not surprising. Following reports that he had called the referee a “f****** cheat!”. The former captain of England was sent off in the 2013 Premiership final.
Sam Warburton’s touchdown pass
In the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Wales was down a player against France due to a mishandled tackle by Warburton. French winger Vincent Clerc was severely injured in his head and neck during a tip tackle. Wales were finally denied a chance to play in the final when referee Alain Rolland ruled that a straight red was appropriate.
Controversial red versus Ireland worn by Angus Ta’avao
Following Ta’avao’s red card for a collision with Ireland’s Garry Ringrose, the crowd jeered referee Jaco Peyper. A red card was issued following a lengthy discussion and input from the TMO due to an inadvertent yet awkward head-on collision. There was a lot of pushback to the decision since it was evident that spectators thought the red was unnecessary.
The risky high tackle of James Haskell
James Haskell, a former flanker for the Wasps and England, was properly shown the red card for a cruel high tackle on Jamie Roberts of Harlequin. Just as Haskell’s team was winning handily, Roberts was rendered immobilized and face down by a vicious tackle. As a result of the red card, Wasps lost 33–28.
Elliot Daly’s problems in the fourth minute
After a poorly executed foul on Argentina’s Leonardo Senatore in the first four minutes of the game in 2016. Daly was awarded the red card, making history as the first England player to be sent off in eleven years. Having had his sight on the ball until the very last second. It was evident that Daly saw his error immediately. England defeated Los Pumas 27–14 even though they were missing a player.
The double yellow Cards of Charlie Ewel
The England lock was given two yellow cards during a match against his Bath club. The first yellow was for making direct contact with the head. The second was for tackling without crossing his arms over his body. Following the protocol, the Bath captain was sent off and banned for a week after two yellows equaled a red.
Evans is thrown by Gavin Henson
Henson’s encounters with Llanelli and Swansea are not the only ones that have generated controversy. After throwing Garan Evans into the Stradey Park advertising boards, Henson, a Swansea player, was given a red card. Henson was lucky to escape a large altercation that resulted from the transfer. In the end, Swansea was humiliated, losing 62–6.
The vicious elbow of Sebastien Vahaamahina
Following a maul in which he elbowed Wales’ Aaron Wainwright in the head, the Frenchman was awarded the red card. Vahaamahina received a 6-week ban for the very senseless action, but less than 24 hours after it happened, he declared his retirement.
Jonny Wilkinson loses to Janess Labushagne
In the 2002 match between the Springboks and England, Labushagne was sent off for tackling Jonny Wilkinson even though Wilkinson did not have the ball. The unaware player may be at risk since they are not prepared to accept a tackle.
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