Harlequins release interesting statement regarding Kyle Sinckler's 'public reputation'

Following yesterday's hearing in Bristol, Kyle Sinckler has been banned for seven weeks after being charged with making contact with the eye.

In response to the sanction Harlequins Director of Rugby John Kingston commented: “Despite Kyle’s unfair public reputation he actually has a very good on-field disciplinary record.

“There is no doubt in my mind that this incident was accidental, but both myself, and as a club we fully accept the importance of player welfare and believe wholeheartedly that there is no place for any players’ hand ever to be around the eye area of an opponent.

“We therefore accept the sanction and will be working with the whole squad around improving our discipline over the coming matches.”

Kyle added: “I accept the outcome of the hearing and wanted to go on record to say I am sorry that I have let my team mates down, but more importantly I feel terrible that anyone would think I would deliberately gouge an opponent. That was never my intention - it was a genuine mistake and an act of recklessness on my part.

“I will spend the next seven weeks working hard on my fitness and rugby to ensure that when I am able to get back on the field I am fit and ready to do so and make the best possible contribution to Quins.”