Danny Cipriani faces disciplinary hearing in Paris following dangerous tackle in Champions Cup

Cipriani, who was left out of England's Autumn International squad, saw red against Munster for a dangerous tackle

Andrew Baldock
Tuesday 23 October 2018 16:30 BST
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Eddie Jones explains Cipriani's omission from autumn internationals

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Danny Cipriani will face a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday following his sending off in Gloucester's Heineken Champions Cup defeat against Munster Rugby.

The Gloucester fly-half was dismissed for a dangerous tackle on Munster centre Rory Scannell during the first half in Limerick on Saturday.

Tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby have announced that Cipriani's hearing will take place before a three-member independent disciplinary committee in Paris.

Cipriani, who was overlooked by England head coach Eddie Jones for next month's Tests against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia, faces a potential ban.

A low-end scale entry punishment for his offence is a two-week suspension, rising to six for mid-range and anything between 10 and 52 weeks for top end.

EPCR said: "Cipriani was sent off by the referee, Alexandre Ruiz (France), in the 29th minute of the match for tackling the Munster Rugby centre, Rory Scannell (No 12), dangerously in contravention of Law 9.13.

"Philippe Cavaleiros (France), Chair, Kathrine Mackie (Scotland) and Frank Hadden (Scotland), have been appointed as the independent disciplinary committee for the hearing which will take place in Paris tomorrow (Wednesday, 24 October)."

Gloucester now go into three rounds of Premiership Cup action before resuming their Gallagher Premiership campaign against Leicester on November 16.

It has been a roller coaster year for Cipriani.

He returned to England's line-up on their South Africa tour in June, making his first international start for 10 years.

But in August he pleaded guilty to charges of common assault and resisting arrest following a nightclub incident while on a pre-season training trip to Jersey with Gloucester. He was fined by Jersey magistrates and also his club.

He was then charged by the Rugby Football Union with "conduct prejudicial to the interest of the game," which was upheld following a lengthy hearing in Bristol, but he avoided further sanction.

Castres forward Maama Vaipulu, who was sent off for a strike to Exeter hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie's head with his shoulder during Chiefs' 29-25 Champions Cup defeat three days ago, also faces a hearing in Paris on Wednesday.

PA

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