Season over for Bedlow following a ban for last Friday's red card

The 2021/22 season is over for Sam Bedlow after the Bristol player received a ban following his red card during last Friday's Gallagher Premiership win over Gloucester at Ashton Gate. He was sent off with ten minutes remaining for dangerously tackling Adam Hastings and he will now miss the final games of the Bears league campaign.

An RFU statement read: "The case of Samuel Bedlow (Bristol Bears) was heard today (Tuesday) by Charles Cuthbert as the sole judicial officer. Bedlow received a red card and was charged with dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby law 9.13 during a game against Gloucester on April 22.

"He accepted the charge and received a four-week ban. However, subject to completing the World Rugby coaching intervention programme he will be free again to play again from June 5."

Judicial officer Cuthbert explained: “The player accepted the charge of dangerous tackling. He talked through the footage and explained his action in setting for the tackle and how it was that contact was made higher than intended. Gloucester confirmed that their player was not injured and required no further medical attention.

"When considering all of the factors relating to the incident, it was determined that the appropriate entry point was mid-range (noting that where there is head contact, the mandatory minimum mid-range entry point applies). 

"The player had accepted the charge at the earliest opportunity and apologised to the Gloucester player immediately on-field. The only matter preventing full mitigation was a previous red card for a tip tackle in February 2021. Partial mitigation was allowed, thereby reducing the six-week suspension entry point by two weeks.

"The player will miss the next four matches subject to successful completion of the World Rugby coaching intervention which will reduce the ban to three meaningful weeks.”

As it stands, Bedlow will miss the upcoming Bristol league games versus Leicester, Exeter and Sale, but he can become available for their first match of the pre-season in August if he successfully completes tackle school.