Bristol Bears centre Sam Bedlow handed four-game ban

Bristol Bears centre Sam Bedlow's season has come to an end after he was handed a four-week ban following a red card incident in the recently concluded Premiership game against Gloucester.

The 26-year-old was red-carded in the 70th minute of the game for a dangerous tackle contrary to World Rugby law 9.13 on Adam Hastings but despite his absence, Bristol went on to win by 29-28.

Bedlow was initially handed a six-week ban that was reduced by two taking into account the mitigating factors. He will now miss the Premiership games against Leicester Tigers, Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks apart from a pre-season fixture in August which could be avoided if he successfully completes a World Rugby coaching programme.

“The player accepted the charge of dangerous tackling. He talked through the footage and explained his action in setting for the tackle and how it was that contact was made higher than intended. Gloucester Rugby confirmed that their player was not injured and required no further medical attention," said Sole Judicial Officer Charles Cuthert.

"When considering all of the factors relating to the incident, it was determined that the appropriate entry point was mid-range (noting that where there is head contact, the mandatory minimum mid-range entry point applies).

"The player had accepted the charge at the earliest opportunity and apologised to the Gloucester player immediately on-field. The only matter preventing full mitigation was a previous red card for a Tip Tackle in February 2021.

"Partial mitigation was allowed thereby reducing the six-week suspension entry point by two weeks.

"The player will miss the next four matches subject to successful completion of the World Rugby Coaching Intervention which will reduce the ban to three meaningful weeks.”

Bristol are at 10th place in the Gallagher Premiership table with seven wins from 21 matches.