Rob Herring

France prop Uini Atonio has been cited for his alleged dangerous tackle on Rob Herring during Ireland's Six Nations win at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

“France prop, Uini Atonio will attend an independent disciplinary hearing after he was cited for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.) in the Guinness Six Nations match between Ireland and France on Saturday 11th February 2023. The controversial decision drew plenty of criticism, particularly as Herring was forced off with a head injury that he ultimately didn’t return from.

The prop avoided a red card in France's Six Nations game against Ireland on Saturday when referee Wayne Barnes judged the tackle merited a yellow card…

Ireland went on to win the game, 32-19. A Six Nations statement on Monday said Atonio had infringed Law 9.13 which includes but is not limited to “tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders”. France prop Uini Atonio will attend an independent disciplinary hearing after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Ireland’s Rob Herring in a Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Referee Wayne Barnes controversially decided against a red card in Aviva clash.

Herring will be assessed for HIA (head injury assessment) protocol, after Atonio tackled Herring on the jawline, standing upright at the collision point with an arm tucked by his side. The disciplinary hearing will take place on Wednesday after he was cited for foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Atonio controversially avoided a red card for his collision with the Ulster hooker as referee Wayne Barnes decided on a yellow card.