Disciplinary: Brad Davis & Curtis Rona (London Irish), & Thomas Gilbert-Hendrickson & Jannes Kirsten (Exeter Chiefs)

The cases of Brad Davis and Curtis Rona, London Irish, and Thomas Gilbert-Hendrickson and Jannes Kirsten, Exeter Chiefs, were dealt with last night by a virtual independent disciplinary panel (Tuesday 15 March 2022), comprising Gareth Graham (chair), Aidan O'Brien and Carl Bradshaw.

Brad Davis was charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union and the game, contrary to RFU Rule 5.12, for shouting numerous comments of disrespect to the match officials during the match against Leicester Tigers on 12 March.  Davis accepted the charge and was suspended from all match day activity for two matches. He will miss the following games:

18.03 v Harlequins (Premiership Cup)
25.03 v Northampton Saints (Premiership)

Panel chair, Gareth Graham, commenting on the Brad Davis outcome said: “In light of the acceptance of the charge, and having heard evidence from the match referee, Karl Dickson, the panel found the matter proven. The panel concluded that Mr Davis had, whilst standing near the edge of the pitch at the end of the match, made derogatory comments about Mr Dickson as the referee walked past him. The comments were made within Mr Dickson’s earshot, were prompted by his presence, and were directed towards him.

"The panel accepted that the offence was to be dealt with as one arising from disrespecting a match official. The panel accepted that this was a deeply unpleasant experience for the referee and took the view that as a case of disrespect it should be placed within the mid-range entry point given the nature of the words used, the potential impact on the referee and his standing in the rugby community, along with the importance of maintaining the core values of the game.

"A reduction by way of mitigation was given on account of the acceptance of the charge, the obvious remorse for the comment, the commendable way in which Mr Davis had engaged with the panel, the lack of any previous offending, and the candid apology delivered to Mr Dickson during the hearing.

"The result was that the panel imposed a two-match ban from all match day coaching duties (meaning he can only attend as a spectator). In addition, Mr Davis is required to deliver a presentation to the London Irish U16-18 Academy on the values of the game.”

Curtis Rona received a red card for dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13, and for an incident that occurred in the first half of the match against Leicester Tigers on 12 March.  He accepted the charge and received a three match ban. He will miss the following games:

18.03 v Harlequins (Premiership Cup)
25.03 v Northampton Saints (Premiership)
29.03 v Leicester Tigers (Premiership Cup)*

*Rona indicated that he would apply to World Rugby to take part in the Coaching Intervention Programme (CIP). If successful, he will return for the game against Leicester Tigers on 29 March. 

Panel chair Gareth Graham commenting after the Rona hearing said: “The player accepted that he had made a dangerous tackle that passed the red card threshold. The panel concluded that this was a reckless tackle, delivered with some force, direct to the head of the opposition player. Fortunately, there was no injury. The panel accepted that in the circumstances, the mandatory minimum entry-point of six weeks (for offences where there is contact with the head/neck area) was appropriate.

"A reduction by way of mitigation was given on account of the acceptance of the charge, the lack of any previous offending, and the remorse and conduct demonstrated by the player. The player will miss the next three matches for the club, subject to the player’s application to World Rugby for a week of his suspension to be replaced with the successful completion of the coaching intervention programme.”

Thomas Gilbert-Hendrickson received a red card for dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13 and Jannes Kirsten was cited for dangerous play in a ruck or maul, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20a.  Both incidents occurred in the first half of the match against Worcester Warriors on 12 March.  

The players accepted their charge and were both received a three week ban.  They will miss the following games:

19.03 v Worcester (Premiership Cup)
27.03 v Leicester (Premiership)
02.04 v Bath (Premiership)*

* The players indicated that they would apply to World Rugby to take part in the Coaching Intervention Process (CIP). If successful, they will be free to return for the  return for the game against Bath.  
 
Speaking about Gilbert-Hendrickson, panel chair Gareth Graham said: “The player accepted that he had made a dangerous tackle that passed the red card threshold. The panel concluded that this was a reckless tackle, delivered with some force, that made direct contact to the head of the opposition player (causing him to be removed from the field and subsequently fail his HIA1, 2 and 3). The panel accepted that in the circumstances, the mandatory minimum entry-point of six weeks (for offences where there is contact with the head/neck area) was appropriate.

"A reduction by way of mitigation was given on account of the acceptance of the charge, the lack of any previous offending, and the remorse and conduct demonstrated by the player. The player will miss the next three matches for the club, subject to the player’s application to World Rugby for a week of his suspension to be replaced with the successful completion of the coaching intervention programme.”

Speaking about Kirsten, panel chair Gareth Graham said: “The player accepted that he had committed an act of dangerous play in a ruck or maul that passed the red card threshold. The player had cleared out another player at a ruck dangerously, making direct contact with his right shoulder to the head of his opponent. This was a reckless act that fortunately caused no injury. The panel accepted that in the circumstances, the mandatory minimum entry-point of six weeks (for offences where there is contact with the head/neck area) was appropriate.

"A reduction by way of mitigation was given on account of the acceptance of the charge, the lack of any previous offending, and the remorse demonstrated by the player. The player will miss the next three matches for the club, subject to the player’s application to World Rugby for a week of his suspension to be replaced with the successful completion of the coaching intervention programme.”