Queensland Reds lose James Horwill for one match after swinging arm

ROB Simmons’ return could not come at a better time for the Queensland Reds after James Horwill was handed a one-match suspension by the SANZAR judiciary

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: James Horwill (L) of the Reds is sent off by referee Matt O'Brien as Reds captain James Slipper looks on during the round eight Super Rugby match between the Rebels and the Reds at AAMI Park on April 3, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

ROB Simmons’ anticipated return could not come at a better time for the Queensland Reds after James Horwill was handed a one-match suspension by the SANZAR judiciary.

The former Wallabies and Reds captain will miss next Saturday’s Super Rugby date with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld after pleading guilty to striking former Reds Academy prop Paul Alo-Emile in Friday night’s 23-15 crash against the Rebels in Melbourne.

Horwill’s send off just 20 minutes into the game was the turning point after the Reds appeared in control during the early minutes.

With the lock off the field, the visitors failed to score a point after half-time as the Rebels gradually turned weight of possession against the tiring Queenslanders.

During the hearing the Reds argued Horwill’s indiscretion was not intentional, arguing his actions were gain momentum while clearing out at the breakdown.

SANZAR duty judicial officer Nicholas Davidson QC disagreed.

“I found this was a strike with a swinging arm to the back of the neck of Rebels player, Paul Alo-Emile,” he said.

Test lock Simmons is expected to make his return from a shoulder injury in the Reds’ two-match tour of South Africa.

Originally published as Queensland Reds lose James Horwill for one match after swinging arm