Scottish Rugby to appeal Ford and Gray suspension

In a statement issued this morning the governing body said that it would contest the length of suspensions given, following the Independent Citing Commissioner’s review of the final Rugby World Cup Pool B match versus Samoa on Saturday 10 October and subsequent ruling by Judicial Officer Christopher Quinlan QC.

The statement also reiterated that both players have exemplary records and are widely acknowledged as model professionals who play the game in the right spirit and that heir actions had no malice or harmful intention.

Ford, from Kelso, and Gray have both expressed their surprise and disappointment at the three-week suspension which has been handed down.

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson, said: “We hold Ross and Jonny in very high regard and as a result will be launching a robust appeal to challenge their suspensions, which we feel are unduly harsh.

“I have raised their case with Brett Gosper at World Rugby and asked for consistency in how such incidents are punished.

“It is clear other Unions are also seeking better clarity on the use of citing and the interpretation of how key areas of the game are scrutinised and the subsequent levels of punishment set.”