Sonny Bill appeals All Black ban

Jul 28, 2017 - 7:45 AM Sonny Bill Williams is appealing how the ban imposed on him for his second Test send-off against the British & Irish Lions is applied.

Williams has appealed against the World Rugby Judicial Committee’s decision not to include the All Blacks' final Bledisloe Cup warm-up match on August 11 in the four-week suspension, NZ Rugby said on Friday in a statement.

The high-profile midfield back became the first All Black in 50 years to be sent off in a Test when he was red-carded for a shoulder charge on Lions winger Anthony Watson early in the 24-21 second Test loss.

Williams will miss the first Bledisloe Test against Australia as part of his four-week ban, World Rugby earlier confirmed.

Williams received a four-week suspension, equating to four meaningful matches.

He missed the drawn third Test with the Lions, and the Blues' final Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves.

Two pre-season Counties-Manukau matches, one against North Harbour and one an inter-squad match, were presented by NZ Rugby as completing the four-match ban.

But the disciplinary committee which handed down Williams' ban found the inter-squad match did not meet the grade as a meaningful match.

The All Blacks' final hit-out before the Bledisloe Cup, shortened games on August 11 involving Counties-Manukau and Taranaki, was also deemed a training match and could not be counted.

Consequently, Williams faces sitting out the first Test against Australia on August 19 in Sydney.

"Since the hearing on July 2, the disciplinary committee has been receiving and reviewing additional submissions and evidence from the player’s side relating to his upcoming schedule of matches," World Rugby said in a statement.

"Following due consideration, the disciplinary committee has ruled that Williams’ suspension will extend up to and including August 19."

Williams' challenge will be decided by an appeal committee.

Source: AAP