Wasps pair Barrow and Atkinson learn disciplinary hearing result

Wasps pair Scott Barrow, the backs transition coach, and head of performance Pete Atkinson will both serve one-match bans next Sunday at Saracens following their appearance at a virtually held RFU disciplinary hearing following separate incidents in last Saturday's Gallagher Premiership home loss to Exeter.  

The RFU said when citing Barrow that he had been charged for interfering with play by back-heeling the ball away from the pitch and blocking an Exeter player from retrieving the ball in the second half.

Henry Slade went after a ball that had been thrown away by a Wasps player when Barrow, who was standing behind the posts, found himself in the England centre’s way. A tussle ensued which then ignited a larger scuffle against the sponsor boards involving around 20 players. 

After getting a rundown of the incident from the TMO, referee Wayne Barnes was heard saying: “That water carrier over there does not come back on the pitch.”

Atkinson, meanwhile, was called to answer for comments made towards Barnes following an Exeter first-half try in a match that the Chiefs won by 27-23. Both individuals were charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union and the game, contrary to RFU rule 5.12.

Both coaches accepted the charges and the independent disciplinary panel comprising Mike Hamlin (chair) with Gareth Graham and Mitch Read said: "Barrow and Atkinson attended the hearing and admitted their misconduct. They were each suspended for a period of one week from attending the game in any other capacity than as a spectator. 

"They will also be required to deliver a presentation to the non-playing members of Wasps staff on the Premiership regulations (schedule two) relating to the operation of technical areas for matches, and also how their own off-field conduct was contrary to the values of the game. The full facts and findings will be in the full written judgment published in due course."