Disciplinary update

Following an investigation, EPCR has decided to bring a misconduct complaint against the Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond, arising from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 match against the Exeter Chiefs on Sunday, 8 December 2019. 

It is alleged that during his post-match media duties, Steve Diamond made comments that may have been insulting to, or disparaging of, or critical of match officials, and that these comments may have had the potential to bring the sport of rugby union, the Heineken Champions Cup, and/or EPCR, into disrepute. 

In making the alleged comments, Steve Diamond breached the Media Rules and the Disciplinary Rules of the 2019/20 EPCR Participation Agreement. 

An independent Disciplinary Committee to hear the misconduct complaint will be convened, and a date for the hearing will be announced as soon as practicable. 

EPCR will not be commenting on this matter in the meantime. 

Misconduct complaint – Dr Jamie Kearns  

Following an investigation, EPCR has decided to bring a misconduct complaint against the Munster Rugby Team Doctor, Dr Jamie Kearns, arising from the Heineken Champions Cup fixture between Saracens and Munster on Saturday, 14 December 2019.  

During the second half of the Round 4 match at Allianz Park, it is alleged that Dr Kearns directed an abusive comment, or comments, at the Saracens player, Jamie George, and that the comment, or comments, may have had the potential to bring the sport of rugby union, the Heineken Champions Cup, and/or EPCR into disrepute. 

In making the alleged comment, or comments, Dr Kearns breached the Disciplinary Rules of the 2019/20 EPCR Participation Agreement. 

An independent Disciplinary Committee to hear the misconduct complaint will be convened, and a date for the hearing will be announced as soon as practicable. 

EPCR will not be commenting on this matter in the meantim

Notes
a) Independent Disciplinary Committees are chosen by the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Panel, Mike Hamlin.
b) EPCR’s Disciplinary Officer presents the case against the club/individual.
c) All parties to the hearing (EPCR and the club/individual) have the right to appeal decisions of the independent Disciplinary Committee. Appeals must be lodged within three working days of receiving the full written decision from the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Committee.
d) The full written decision of the independent Disciplinary Committee will be available on www.epcrugby.com/discipline/decisions.php when the disciplinary process is complete.