Hepburn gets three-game ban

By Mark Stevens
12/1/22

Exeter Chiefs prop Alec Hepburn has been handed a three-game ban following his dismissal in last weekend’s Gallagher Premiership fixture away to Harlequins.

The England international’s case was heard before an independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday.

Hepburn received a red card in the first half of the match between Harlequins and Exeter on 8 December 2022 for a Tip Tackle on opposite number Joe Marler, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.18. His case was heard on papers by the independent disciplinary panel comprising Charles Cuthbert (chair) and Tony Wheat.

Panel Chair, Charles Cuthbert said: “The player accepted that he had committed an act of foul play and that the act merited the award of a red card. The panel agreed with the submissions of both the club and the RFU that the appropriate entry point was low end. Allowing 50% mitigation on the basis of his acceptance of the charge, his clean record and his engagement with the process, the panel imposed a 3-week suspension which means the player is free to play on February 1.”

Alec Hepburn will miss the following games:

15.01 Exeter Chiefs v Glasgow (EPCR)

23.01 Montpellier v Exeter Chiefs (EPCR)

29.01 London Irish v Exeter Chiefs (Gallagher Premiership)