IRELAND tight head prop Peter Clohessy, who was suspended for 26 playing weeks for stamping on French forward Olivier Roumat, during the international at Parc des Princes last Saturday, has withdrawn his appeal to the Laws Committee of the International Rugby Board for a review of the sentence. He will therefore be out of the game until next: December.
Clohessy has expressed "bitter regret" for the incident and yesterday in a phone call also tendered a personal apology to Roumat, which has been accepted by the French player.
In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, Clohessy said: "I have decided not to proceed with the appeal against the sentence imposed on me after the France Ireland rugby match last Saturday and I have advised the respective secretaries of the IRFU and IRFB accordingly.
"I originally indicated my intention to appeal the decision as I wanted time to consider my position.
I bitterly regret the incident, which was wholly unpremeditated, and that led to my suspension.
Since the game, I have spoken to Olivier Roumat and have apologised to him. He has accepted my apology.
"I have also forwarded a letter to Dr Syd Millar, president of the IRFU, in which I have unreservedly apologised for the incident."
Clohessy was suspended by the match commissioner Alan Hosie after he had been cited on video evidence by the IRFU and the French Federation. He was given a personal hearing on Saturday night when the meeting took place between IRFU and French Federation officials, with Hosie and the match referee Ed Morrison, who had not seen the incident. After considering the matter overnight, Hosie imposed the sentence on Sunday.
The decision to accept the punishment and withdraw the appeal is, I believe, a prudent course. While it was possible that the sentence would have been reduced, it is extremely unlikely because of the gravity of the incident. In fact he ran the risk of having the suspension increased. The matter is certain to be discussed at next Thursday's IRFU committee meeting.
Having handed the matter over to the Five Nations representative by citing the player, the IRFU will not be in a position to impose a further sentence. And as the matter was subject to appeal they could not issue a statement commenting directly on the specific incident other than that they had cited the player and reiterating their condemnation of foul play. The Union does, however, have power to act in relation to Clohessy's playing contract and no doubt will act accordingly.
There is no doubt that this latest incident and the publicity surrounding it, throws into focus foul and dangerous play in the game. Yet there seems to be a wide discrepancy in sentences handed down for it. In making that point, the player's action last Saturday warranted severe punishment, a fact that he now accepts.
The level of intensity in international rugby is such that it provides an opportunity for players to indulge in dangerous play. Teams are worked up to the highest level of intensity before they go on the field. The consequences can be reckless and dangerous play. Nor can coaches wipe their hands clean on occasions when incidents take place. Some are quick to distance themselves when it is expedient. Others, who know full well what takes place before teams go on to the field, and who have been part of the psychological "warming up" process, are often among the first to throw their hands up in horror and raise their voices once incidents take place.
It seems, too, actions that are condemned when perpetrated by some are ignored when the same offences are committed by others. Clohessy is now out of the game for a year. It is the consequence of his own actions and consequently he cannot complain. Maybe some other players might take due note, and some former players and coaches indulge in a bit of sober and honest reflection. Some of us who have been around a long time, also have long memories.
