World Rugby has announced the citing commissioner and disciplinary committee appointments for the upcoming men’s and women’s November window tests.

With a record number of matches taking place across the period, the appointments are a key milestone in preparation for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

With a continued focus on strengthening the connection between the on and off-field disciplinary process, the three-person disciplinary committees will comprise two individuals with international and high-level domestic playing, coaching or refereeing experience as well as one legally qualified judicial officer as chair.

Selections have been made following a comprehensive review of performance during the June window and other major competitions by the independent judicial panel chairman Christopher Quinlan QC, and are underpinned by training and workshops involving disciplinary personnel and match officials. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE APPOINTMENTS >>

The panel of independent citing commissioners was appointed on merit following extensive reviews by the independent judicial panel chairman Christopher Quinlan QC in collaboration with World Rugby’s Citing Commissioner Manager Steve Hinds.

There is a wealth of international or elite playing, coaching or refereeing experience represented within the independent disciplinary committee selection.

HEARING PROCESS DETAILS

Citing commissioners have 24 hours (defined within the respective applicable tours agreement or tournament rules, with a possible time extension in exceptional circumstances) following the end of a match in which to cite any incidents.

All disciplinary hearings – as a result of red cards issued or citings – will be held before the independent disciplinary committee of three set out in the appointment list at the above link chosen from the World Rugby judicial panel, generally on the Tuesday of the following week (taking into account the need to allow time for any appeals to be heard before the following match).

Hearings will ordinarily feature a blend of the player and disciplinary committee chair being in situ with the other panel members either travelling to the hearing venue or participating via video conference to ensure that cases can be dealt with as quickly as possible, observing neutrality and ensuring the best-possible judicial outcome.