'A deeply unpleasant experience': London Irish coach banned

London Irish have been dealt a blow with the suspension of midfielder Curtis Rona and assistant coach Brad Davis following a virtual independent disciplinary hearing following incidents arising from their Gallagher Premiership defeat last Saturday at Leicester. Ronan was red-carded while Davis was charged with "conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union for shouting numerous comments of disrespect to the match officials".

Rona accepted his dangerous tackling charge and was banned for three games - the March 18 Premiership Cup match versus Harlequins, versus Northampton in the Premiership on March 25 and the March 29 Premiership Cup game with Leicester.  

The Australian could have his ban scratched for that last game as he has applied for tackle school, the World Rugby coaching intervention programme. Panel chair Gareth Graham said: “The player accepted that he had made a dangerous tackle that passed the red card threshold. 

“The panel concluded that this was a reckless tackle, delivered with some force, direct to the head of the opposition player. Fortunately, there was no injury. The panel accepted that in the circumstances, the mandatory minimum entry-point of six weeks (for offences where there is contact with the head/neck area) was appropriate.

"A reduction by way of mitigation was given on account of the acceptance of the charge, the lack of any previous offending, and the remorse and conduct demonstrated by the player. The player will miss the next three matches for the club, subject to the player’s application to World Rugby for a week of his suspension to be replaced with the successful completion of the coaching intervention programme.”

Davis, meanwhile, found himself in trouble for “shouting numerous comments of disrespect to the match officials”, a charge he accepted and he will be suspended from all matchday activities for the two Irish games versus Harlequins and Northampton. Graham said: “In light of the acceptance of the charge, and having heard evidence from the match referee Karl Dickson, the panel found the matter proven. 

“The panel concluded that Davis, while standing near the edge of the pitch at the end of the match, made derogatory comments about Dickson as the referee walked past him. The comments were made within Dickson’s earshot, were prompted by his presence, and were directed towards him.

"The panel accepted that the offence was to be dealt with as one arising from disrespecting a match official. The panel accepted that this was a deeply unpleasant experience for the referee and took the view that as a case of disrespect it should be placed within the mid-range entry point given the nature of the words used, the potential impact on the referee and his standing in the rugby community, along with the importance of maintaining the core values of the game.

"A reduction by way of mitigation was given on account of the acceptance of the charge, the obvious remorse for the comment, the commendable way in which Davis had engaged with the panel, the lack of any previous offending, and the candid apology delivered to Dickson during the hearing.

"The result was that the panel imposed a two-match ban from all match day coaching duties (meaning he can only attend as a spectator). In addition, Davis is required to deliver a presentation to the London Irish U16-18 academy on the values of the game.”