Ollie Chessum suspended for three weeks

The Leicester Tigers back row, Ollie Chessum, has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round of 16 2nd leg match against ASM Clermont Auvergne at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Chessum was sent off by the referee, Andrew Brace (Ireland), in the 64th minute of the match for tackling the ASM Clermont Auvergne replacement wing, Samuel Ezeala, in a dangerous manner in contravention of Law 9.13.

Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent dangerously
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 relating to dangerous tackling carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.

The independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Pamela Woodman (Scotland), chair, Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Pat Barriscale (Ireland), considered video imagery of the incident and heard submissions from Chessum, who did not accept the red card decision, from the player’s legal representative, John Shea, from the Leicester Tigers General Manager, Leigh Jones, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

The committee upheld the red card decision, finding that in executing a dangerous tackle which warranted a red card, Chessum had made contact with Ezeala’s head. It was then determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

Taking into account Chessum’s clear disciplinary record, it was decided to grant the full 50% mitigation due to the complex nature of the incident even though he did not accept the red card decision. The committee therefore reduced the sanction by three weeks before imposing a three-week suspension.

Chessum is free to play on Monday, 9 May, however, if he applies for and completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday, 2 May. Both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

Disciplinary hearing – Tom O’Toole (Ulster Rugby)

Please note that the independent Disciplinary Hearing regarding the red card issued to Tom O’Toole during the Ulster Rugby v Stade Toulousain Heineken Champions Cup 2nd leg match has been postponed and will now take place at a later date.