Panel clears Lees to play after charge

By Mark Stevens
20/12/17

Exeter Chiefs lock Mitch Lees has had a citing complaint against him dismissed following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London today arising from his club's Champions Cup, Round 4 match against Leinster Rugby at the Aviva Stadium.

Lees was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Patrice Frantschi (France), for charging into a ruck and striking the head of the Leinster Rugby prop, Cian Healy, with his head in the 40th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (h).

Law 10.4 (h) Charging into a ruck or maul

Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (h) carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.

An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Pamela Woodman (Scotland), Chair, Roger Morris (Wales) and Nigel Williams (Wales) heard evidence and submissions from Lees, who pleaded not guilty to the offence, from the Exeter Chiefs legal representative, Christopher Over, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan. The Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, also attended.

The Committee found that Lees had committed an act of foul play in that he charged into a ruck, however, the Committee was not satisfied that the offence had warranted a red card.

The citing complaint was therefore dismissed and Lees is free to play.