England lock to miss Euro Challenge Cup trip to Italy

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: England lock Charlie Ewels will miss his club’s European Challenge Cup round of 16 match at Zebre in Italy this Friday.

The lock will be sidelined following his one-match suspension for getting sent off after receiving two yellow cards in his club’s Premiership defeat to London Irish last Sunday.

Ewels was sent off by referee Craig Maxwell-Keys in the 68th minute at Brentford for a second foul play yellow card. The player accepted the charge and was given a one-week suspension by Gareth Graham, the sole judicial officer, who heard the disciplinary case heard on papers.

The referee’s report contained in the RFU’s written verdict detailed the reasons why Bath skipper Ewels was twice yellow carded. For the initial card in the first half, it stated: “Following a TMO review it was agreed by the match officials that Bath No5 had made direct contact with the head and was at fault as he could be lower.

“Direct head contact was agreed high danger which we mitigate down for the ball carrier changing direction and being tackled by another player.”

For the second card, the report outlined: “Following a TMO review it was agreed that Bath No5 tucked his arm across his body (no attempt to wrap) then hit the London Irish player in the back and off the ball. The player apologised post-match.”