Tom Youngs slapped with 3-week ban

Leicester skipper Tom Youngs appeared before an independent disciplinary panel following his red card in the 56th minute of the match Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs on Saturday 6 April 2019.

This was for making contact with Chiefs lock Ollie Atkins' head in a ruck contrary to Law 9.20(a) - dangerous play in a ruck or maul. 

 
Youngs accepted the charge and was given a three-week suspension by the independent panel comprising Philip Evans QC with Richard Whittam QC and  Chris Skaife.  He is free to play again on 7 May 2019 taking into account Leicester Tigers' upcoming fixtures.

Panel chair Philip Evans QC said: “The player accepted the charge and the facts as alleged including having made contact with his opponent's head. The panel found the appropriate starting point was 6 weeks (mid-range). Given his early plea of guilty, his candid evidence to the panel, obvious remorse, playing record and personal mitigation including off-field mitigating factors, exceptionally, the panel felt able to reduce the period of suspension by 3 weeks.”