The Gloucester Rugby back row, Deian Gwynne (No 6), has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from his club’s Investec Champions Cup Round 1 match against Castres Olympique at Kingsholm on Sunday, 7 December.

Gwynne was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Stuart Morgan-Scott (Wales), for making contact with the eye or eye area of the Castres Olympique second row, Florent Vanverberghe (No 5), in the 48th minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.12. Gwynne was shown a yellow card by the referee, Sam Grove-White (Scotland), for the incident.

Law 9.12 Reckless contact with the eye(s)

Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 carries the following sanction entry points – Low-end: 6 weeks; Mid-range: 12 weeks; Top-end: 18 to 208 weeks.

An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Marcello d’Orey (Portugal, Chair), Ken Owens (Wales), and Val Toma (Romania) heard the case via video conference today, Tuesday, 9 December. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

Gwynne accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card.

The committee upheld the citing complaint, finding that Gwynne had recklessly made contact with the eye of an opponent. It then determined that the offending was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

Taking into account the player’s clear disciplinary record, his timely acceptance of the charge, plus his young age and relative inexperience, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50%, before imposing a three-week suspension.

Gwynne is free to play on Monday, 29 December. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

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