England flanker Sam Underhill faces a four-match suspension, ruling him out of Bath Rugby’s crucial run towards the Gallagher Premiership title. The ban stems from a dangerous tackle on Lyon full-back Davit Niniashvili during Bath’s EPCR Challenge Cup final win in Cardiff.
Underhill initially received a yellow card from referee Hollie Davidson, but a complaint by match citing commissioner Philippe Lenne led to further review. An independent disciplinary committee upheld the complaint, concluding that Underhill’s tackle warranted a red card.
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) confirmed the suspension lasts four weeks, with Underhill’s return date pending his playing schedule. Bath’s upcoming fixtures include a regular season finale against Saracens, a playoff on June 6, and potentially the Premiership final eight days later.
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Regarding international duties, Underhill may miss England’s non-cap match versus France on June 21 and the first Test against Argentina two weeks afterward.
EPCR stated that Underhill admitted to the foul play but contested the red card decision. The committee found the offense to fall within the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions, initially setting a six-week ban. However, due to Underhill’s prompt acceptance of wrongdoing and remorse, this was reduced by two weeks. Still, his prior disciplinary record limited further reductions, resulting in the four-week suspension.
This is not Underhill’s first recent disciplinary issue; he was banned for three weeks in April after a high tackle against Pau in the Challenge Cup. As a vital component of Bath’s strategy under head coach Johann van Graan, Underhill’s absence is a significant setback ahead of the season’s climax.
Bath is pursuing a historic treble this season, having already secured the Challenge Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup. The loss of Underhill complicates their challenge for the Gallagher Premiership title but the team remains determined to secure silverware in his absence.