Rhodes to face disciplinary hearing after Saracens win

Some alleged foul play at a ruck may cast a shadow over Michael Rhodes’ man-of-the-match performance against Leinster.

The Saracens flanker has been cited after an incident in only the second minute of the match appears to show him striking the face of Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw with the head.

Rhodes will thus appear at a disciplinary hearing tomorrow (Tuesday) where his fate will be decided. It could mean that Saracens may find themselves devoid of his services for some weeks to come.

The EPCR statement reads as follows:

“EPCR has received a citing complaint against the Saracens flanker, Michael Rhodes (No 6), arising from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final match against Leinster Rugby at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 19 September 2020,” read

“Rhodes is alleged to have committed an act of foul play in that he struck the Leinster centre, Robbie Henshaw (No 12), with his head the 2nd minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.12.

“An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Simon Thomas (Wales), Chair, Frank Hadden (Scotland) and Val Toma (Romania) will hear the case by video conference tomorrow (Tuesday, 22 September).

“The complaint was made by the match Citing Commissioner, Beth Dickens (Scotland).”