George Earle suspended for eight weeks

George Earle of Cardiff Blues has been suspended for eight weeks for making contact with the eye area of the Bath Rugby flanker, Tom Ellis, in the 44th minute of the European Rugby Challenge Cup match against Bath Rugby.

An independent Disciplinary Committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected 12 weeks as the appropriate entry point. One week was then added to the sanction in accordance with World Rugby's memorandum on contact with the eyes and/or eye area.

Taking into account Earle's clean disciplinary record and his apology to Ellis following the match, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by five weeks before imposing an eight-week suspension.

Earle is free to play on Monday, 13 February 2017. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.