England and Bath flanker Sam Underhill has copped a three-week ban following his red card in his side’s EPR Challenge Cup win over Pau last weekend.
The forward was sent off in the 55th minute of their game on Friday night, but Johann van Graan’s side would go onto claim a 49-24 win despite being down to 14 men.
Sam Underhill cops three-week ban
Underhill was initially served a six-week ban due to the severity of the incident, however, his guilty plea and good disciplinary record meant it was reduced to three weeks. That could also be lowered to two should he complete tackle school.
“The Bath Rugby back row, Sam Underhill (No 7) has been suspended for three weeks following the decision of an independent disciplinary Committee,” an EPCR statement read.
“Underhill accepted that he had committed an act of foul play, but did not accept it warranted a red card. However, the independent Disciplinary Committee upheld the referee’s decision.
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“The independent Disciplinary Committee decided the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions, and selected six weeks as the appropriate entry point.
“Taking into account the player’s acceptance of the charge, his good disciplinary record and full cooperation with the disciplinary process, the independent Disciplinary Committee elected to apply the full 50% mitigation and reduced the sanction to three weeks.”
“Underhill will be free to play again on Monday, 28 April. However, if he applies for and successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching intervention course, he will be free to play on Monday, 21 April.
“Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”
With his ban now enforced, Underhill will miss Bath’s upcoming Challenge Cup quarter-final against West Country rivals Gloucester, a repeat of their 42-26 thriller just three weeks ago, as well as their Premiership clash with fellow West Country outfit Exeter Chiefs. He could return for their game against Newcastle Falcons though should he undergo tackle school.
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