Sale Sharks hooker Nathan Jibulu has been suspended for six weeks after biting Harlequins prop Will Hobson during the 69th minute of Sale’s 26-17 Champions Cup last-16 win at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday. Jibulu, 23, had faced a possible 12-week ban but the sanction was reduced after he pleaded guilty, showed remorse, and because of his youth and limited disciplinary history. The ruling will keep him out of action as Sale prepare to travel to Leinster for their Champions Cup quarter-final this Saturday.
Sale issued a club statement saying Nathan admitted the offence and that both player and club agree the behaviour was unacceptable. The club reiterated that players should act as role models and that such conduct has no place on the field or in society. Sale also confirmed it will carry out its own internal disciplinary process while continuing to support Jibulu through what it described as a difficult period.