Hanks' case dismissed

The citing of James Hanks (Exeter Chiefs) for ‘making contact with the eye or eye area’ of Saracens’ Steve Borthwick during Sunday’s Aviva Premiership Round 4 match against Saracens at Sandy Park was tonight dismissed.

The panel of the RFU Disciplinary Officer, His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett (chair), Nick Dark and Mike Curling decided that the contact was accidental and dismissed the citing.

His Honour Judge Blackett said: "The panel concluded that James Hanks' finger did make contact with Steve Borthwick's eye. However, the contact occurred in a dynamic situation during a ruck, when James Hanks was driving forward and putting his hand down to prevent him from falling over. The contact was entirely accidental.”