The Rugby Football Union have released the judgement from the appearance of Leicester Tigers hooker Tom Youngs at an online independent disciplinary last week, following a citing in Round 21 of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season.
Tom Youngs of Leicester Tigers appeared before an online independent disciplinary panel last week (Thursday 17 June 2021).
He was charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union and the game, contrary to RFU Rule 5.12. This charge was for disrespecting the authority of the match official (contrary to World Rugby Law 9.28) following Leicester Tigers v Bristol Bears on Saturday 5 June 2021. The incident occurred after the full time whistle.
Youngs accepted the charge and was given the following sanction by the independent disciplinary panel comprising Ian Unsworth QC (chair) with Gareth Graham and Chris Skaife:
- Two week suspension from playing of which one week has already been served (Gallagher Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Wasps on Saturday 12 June 2021).
- The second week of the ban is suspended until 28 February 2022 on the provision that Youngs completes the England Rugby Refereeing Award Course and referees two community age grade rugby matches before the deadline. This is to enable the player to get greater insight as to the particular demands and pressures of being a match official.
- In the event that Youngs does not complete this requirement by 28 February 2022 or he re-offends (on or off the pitch) he would serve the second week of the playing suspension during the next available match.
You can read the full judgment online HERE.
In addition, the events towards the end of the Leicester Tigers v Bristol Bears match have been fully investigated. No further charges will be brought, but warnings and reminders as to future conduct have been made and the matters are now closed.
