Bath hardman suspended

Flanker Sam Underhill has been suspended for four weeks following the decision of an independent Disciplinary Committee arising from the EPCR Challenge Cup Final between Bath and Lyon at the Millennium Stadium on Friday, May 23.

Underhill was cited by the match citing commissioner, Philippe Lenne (Belgium), for tackling the Lyon fullback, Davit Niniashvili, dangerously in the 26th minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.13.

Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.

Under World Rugby’s sanctions for foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction entry points: Low-end – 2 weeks/matches; Mid-range – 6 weeks/matches; Top-end 10-52 weeks/matches

An independent disciplinary committee comprising Chair Pamela Woodman (Scotland), Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) and Donal Courtney (Ireland) heard the case by video conference on Tuesday, May 27.

Underhill accepted that he had committed an act of foul play, but did not accept that it warranted a red card.

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The independent Disciplinary Committee upheld the complaint, finding that Underhill had tackled Davit Niniashvili in a dangerous manner that warranted a red card and it determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

The committee gave the player credit for his remorse and timely acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play, but because of his prior disciplinary record, the committee were only able to discount the entry point sanction by two weeks. They therefore imposed a four-week suspension.

The date when Underhill can return to play will be determined once his future playing schedule is confirmed.

Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.