Kitchener & Piutau slapped with 3-match bans

Andrew Kitchener of Worcester Warriors and Siale Piutau of Bristol Bears appeared before an online independent disciplinary panel on Monday (7 September, 2020).

Kitchener was shown a red card by referee Wayne Barnes in the 79th minute of the match between Worcester Warriors and Bristol Bears on Friday 4 September 2020. 

Piutau was cited by independent citing commissioner Tony Diprose following the same match. In both cases this was for punching or striking, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.12.

Both players accepted the charge against them and were each given a three-match suspension by the independent disciplinary panel. Piutau is free to play again on 20 September 2020. Kitchener's return to play date will be confirmed once the fixture dates for round 21 of the Gallagher Premiership are released. 

Independent panel chair Matthew Weaver said: "Both players accepted the charge of striking an opponent. On consideration of all of the facts, with the benefit of hearing directly from both players and reviewing the video footage, the panel determined that the mandatory mid-range entry point of six weeks should apply.

 
"There were no aggravating factors applied to either sanction. Both players had accepted the charges and apologised for their actions. Mr Kitchener has a clean disciplinary record and, whilst warned about his conduct immediately after receiving the red card, was allowed full mitigation of 50%. He will miss the next three games for Worcester Warriors.

 
"Mr Piutau has one matter on his record from June 2013 which was for a similar offence. On balance however, given the time between the two incidents, the panel decided that this should not prevent him from receiving maximum mitigation and he was also suspended for three matches."