Francis was cited in the Round 4 EPCR Challenge Cup match against Glasgow Warriors by Citing Commissioner, Gabriele Pezzano (Italy), for allegedly tackling Sione Tuipulotu in a dangerous manner in the 42^nd minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.13.

Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent dangerously Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 relating to dangerous tackling carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.

An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Jean-Noel Couraud (France), Chair, Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Val Toma (Romania) heard submissions from Francis, who accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but that it did not warrant a red card, from the player’s legal representative, Simon Pritchard, from the Bath Rugby Rugby Operation Manager, Fran Leighton, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

The committee decided that while Francis had committed an act of foul play, it did not warrant a sending off. The citing complaint was therefore dismissed and he is free to play.

EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

Disciplinary Verdict: Piers Francis

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