Exeter Chiefs prop Will Goodrick-Clarke handed 1 game ban

Exeter Chiefs prop Will Goodrick-Clarke has been suspended for one match following a disciplinary process.

The one week suspension follows the decision of an independent Judicial Officer arising from the Investec Champions Cup Round 4 match between Ulster Rugby and Exeter Chiefs at the Kingspan Stadium on Friday 17 January.

Goodrick-Clarke was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Stuart Morgan-Scott (Wales), for stamping on Ulster Rugby No 6, James McNabney, in the 43rd minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.12.

Law 9.12 A player must not stamp on an opponent. Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12, stamping or trampling, carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks/matches; Mid-range: 6 weeks/matches; Top end: 12 to 52 weeks/matches

The independent Judicial Officer, Ben Rutherford (Ireland), conducted the case on a papers-only basis and he upheld the citing complaint. He determined that the offending was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point.

Taking into account the player’s timely acceptance of the charge, his good disciplinary record and his full co-operation with the disciplinary process, he decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50% before imposing a one-week suspension.

Goodrick-Clarke is free to play on Monday, 27 January. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.