Ollie Thorley's disciplinary hearing result

Gloucester winger Ollie Thorley appeared before a disciplinary committee last night (Tuesday, 9 March) and has subsequently been handed a 4-week suspension for contravening World Rugby Law 9.13 with what was ruled a dangerous tackle by referee Matt Carley.

Thorley contested the charge against him, however, it was upheld by the committee, a statement from whom reads as follows:

“Having considered all of the evidence alongside helpful and extensive submissions from both parties the panel decided that the red card issued by the referee should be upheld.  Because this incident involved contact with the head, the panel was required by the regulations to impose at least a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks.  The panel then applied the maximum amount of mitigation available, given the player had contested the red card.”