Gaby Lovobalavu suspended for four weeks

Wasps centre Gaby Lovobalavu was this week suspended for four matches by an independent disciplinary panel for a dangerous tackle on Exeter Chiefs’ Sam Hill .

The incident happened in the final minute of last Sunday’s Premiership match.

Director of rugby Dai Young has issued the following statement:

“We are extremely disappointed by this verdict and the sentence that has been reached.

“We haven’t come across anybody other than the citing officer and panel that see Gaby’s tackle as a red card offence meriting a four-match ban.

“The need to prioritise player welfare, especially in respect of head injuries, is something we fully support.

“However, when an international referee and his touch judge, the tackled player and others surrounding him, management and staff of both clubs plus many experienced TV pundits and rugby supporters all see this the same way, it is hard not to question this outcome.”

Under the regulations, Wasps have no recourse to appeal this decision once it has been deemed a red card offence.