Rebels to appeal Mitchell ban for foul play on Zebo

Melbourne Rebels are to appeal wing Lachlan Mitchell’s one-match ban imposed for foul play during last week’s game against the British and Irish Lions, the Australian Rugby Union has announced.

Judicial Officer, Nigel Hampton QC, found Mitchell guilty of lifting Lions wing Simon Zebo early in a match that was won 35-0 by the Lions.

Mitchell was cited under Law 10.4 (j) – lifting a player from the ground and dropping that player into the ground while that player’s feet are still off the ground, such that the player’s upper body comes into contact with the ground.

“The RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels will officially appeal winger, Lachlan Mitchell’s, one match ban,” the ARU said in a press release.

The appeal will be heard on Wednesday, the ARU confirmed.