- Both players could miss the start of the season
The NSW Waratahs have suspended lock Miles Amatosero following a pre-season training incident that left teammate Angus Scott-Young with a fractured eye socket.
Amatosero was handed a four-match suspension after a formal review into the incident, which occurred earlier this month during a Waratahs training session.
The ban can be reduced to two matches if the 23-year-old successfully completes counselling and education programs, potentially clearing him to play in the Super Rugby Pacific season opener.
‘Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs confirm that Miles Amatosero has been suspended for four games following a formal review into a training ground incident earlier this month,’ a joint statement said.
‘Amatosero can reduce his suspension to two games upon successful completion of counselling and education programs. He will miss the Waratahs’ upcoming trial matches against the Reds and Brumbies.’
The incident is understood to have unfolded during a live training drill when tensions escalated between the two forwards.
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It reportedly began with pushing and shoving before Amatosero struck Scott-Young, leaving the new recruit requiring multiple stitches.
Subsequent medical assessment confirmed Scott-Young had suffered a fractured eye socket, placing his hopes of making his Waratahs debut in round one in serious doubt.
Scott-Young joined the club during the off-season after departing English Premiership side Northampton, where he had established himself as a regular contributor.
The former Queensland forward has played 69 Super Rugby matches since debuting in 2018 and was among several new faces pushing for selection following pre-season training.
Amatosero, meanwhile, had been building momentum ahead of the new campaign.
The Sydney-born lock impressed during the Waratahs’ narrow loss to the British & Irish Lions and was considered a contender for a starting role amid increased competition in the forward pack following the arrivals of Matt Philip and Angus Blyth.
The suspension means Amatosero will miss the Waratahs’ pre-season trial matches against Queensland and the Brumbies but could return in time for the Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Reds if the reduced sanction is applied.