Disciplinary: Joe Hawkins, Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs player, Joe Hawkins, has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from his club’s Investec Champions Cup, Round 4 match against Aviron Bayonnais at Stade Jean-Dauger.

Hawkins was sent off by the referee, Nika Amashukeli, in the 77th minute of the match for tackling Federico Mori in a dangerous manner in contravention of Law 9.13.

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

An independent Judicial Officer, Pamela Woodman (Scotland), who conducted the case on a papers only basis, found that Hawkins had tackled Mori in a dangerous manner which warranted a red card.

The Judicial Officer determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

Taking into account the player’s timely acceptance of the charge and his full co-operation with the disciplinary process, it was decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50% before a three-week suspension was imposed.

Given the Exeter Chiefs’ upcoming fixture schedule, Hawkins is free to play on Monday, 19 February, however, if he applies for and completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday, 12 February.

Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.