An independent Disciplinary Committee composed of Chairman, Simon Thomas (Wales), Jean-Noël Couraud (France) and Rhian Williams (Wales), convened in London on 30 December 2019 under EPCR’s Disciplinary Rules to hear a misconduct complaint against Munster Rugby Team Doctor, Dr Jamie Kearns arising from the Heineken Champions Cup, Round 4 fixture between Saracens and Munster Rugby.

The independent panel found that, during the match at Allianz Park on Saturday 14 December, Dr Kearns verbally abused the Saracens player, Jamie George, and that in doing so, Dr Kearns breached the EPCR Disciplinary Rules.

The independent Disciplinary Committee took into account the immediate expression of remorse shown by Dr Kearns and determined that he serve a three-week touchline ban, suspended for a period of 12 months and pay a fine of €2,000 (due immediately).

Both Dr Kearns and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

Steve Diamond (Sale Sharks)

An independent Disciplinary Committee composed of Chairman, Simon Thomas (Wales), Jean-Noël Couraud (France) and Rhian Williams (Wales), convened in London on 30 December 2019 under EPCR’s Disciplinary Rules to hear a misconduct complaint against the Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond, arising from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 fixture against Exeter Chiefs.

The independent panel found that, during his post-match duties following the match at the AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday 8 December, Steve Diamond made comments that had the effect of insulting the match officials, and that these comments had the potential to bring the sport of rugby union, the Heineken Champions Cup, and/or EPCR, into disrepute.

The independent Disciplinary Committee took into account Steve Diamonds timely admission of wrongdoing, in addition to his numerous subsequent public comments and apologies to the team of Match Officials for any offence caused.

They determined that Steve Diamond be given a formal reprimand and fined him €3,000 (payable immediately).

Both Steve Diamond and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

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.

Dr Jamie Kearns (Munster Rugby)