Sale Sharks' Nathan Jibulu Faces Six-Week Ban for Biting Incident
Nathan Jibulu, the hooker for Sale Sharks, received a six-week ban for biting Harlequins prop Will Hobson during a crucial match. The incident took place in the 69th minute of Sale's Champions Cup last-16 victory over Quins at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday. According to Law 9.12, players are prohibited from physically abusing others, which includes biting. Jibulu's initial penalty could have extended to 12 weeks, but it was reduced due to several mitigating factors. A statement from the disciplinary panel highlighted: Jibulu's guilty plea His timely expression of remorse His young age and inexperience A clear disciplinary record These considerations led to the maximum reduction of 50%, resulting in a six-week suspension. As Sale prepares to face Leinster in the quarter-finals on Saturday at 17:30 BST, they already contend with significant player injuries. Front-row players Bevan Rodd and Luke Cowan-Dickie are sidelined, with Rodd suffering a dislocated shoulder and Cowan-Dickie dealing with a suspected broken wrist or forearm. These injuries pose a risk to their availability for England's upcoming summer tour.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-07