Chiefs duo both hit with suspensions

By Mark Stevens
16/3/22

Exeter Chiefs duo Tom Hendrickson and Jannes Kirsten both appeared before a virtual independent disciplinary panel last night following charges that came from last Saturday's Gallagher Premiership clash at Worcester Warriors.

Centre Hendrickson received a red card for dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13, while Kirsten was cited for dangerous play in a ruck or maul, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20a. Both incidents occurred in the first half of the match against Worcester Warriors on 12 March.

The players accepted their charge and were both received a three-week ban. They will miss the following games:

19.03 v Worcester (Premiership Cup)

27.03 v Leicester (Premiership)

02.04 v Bath (Premiership) *

* The players indicated, however, that they would apply to World Rugby to take part in the Coaching Intervention Process (CIP). If successful, they will be free to return for the return for the game against Bath.

Speaking about Gilbert-Hendrickson, panel chair Gareth Graham said: “The player accepted that he had made a dangerous tackle that passed the red card threshold. The panel concluded that this was a reckless tackle, delivered with some force, that made direct contact to the head of the opposition player (causing him to be removed from the field and subsequently fail his HIA1, 2 and 3). The panel accepted that in the circumstances, the mandatory minimum entry-point of six weeks (for offences where there is contact with the head/neck area) was appropriate.

"A reduction by way of mitigation was given on account of the acceptance of the charge, the lack of any previous offending, and the remorse and conduct demonstrated by the player. The player will miss the next three matches for the club, subject to the player’s application to World Rugby for a week of his suspension to be replaced with the successful completion of the coaching intervention programme.”

Speaking about Kirsten, Graham added: “The player accepted that he had committed an act of dangerous play in a ruck or maul that passed the red card threshold. The player had cleared out another player at a ruck dangerously, making direct contact with his right shoulder to the head of his opponent. This was a reckless act that fortunately caused no injury. The panel accepted that in the circumstances, the mandatory minimum entry-point of six weeks (for offences where there is contact with the head/neck area) was appropriate.

"A reduction by way of mitigation was given on account of the acceptance of the charge, the lack of any previous offending, and the remorse demonstrated by the player. The player will miss the next three matches for the club, subject to the player’s application to World Rugby for a week of his suspension to be replaced with the successful completion of the coaching intervention programme.”