Exeter centre Joe Hawkins banned for three weeks

Exeter Chiefs centre Joe Hawkins has been handed a three-week ban following his red card incident in the recently concluded European Champions Cup game against Bayonne.

The 21-year-old was sent off in the closing stage of the encounter for a dangerous tackle on Federico Mori as Rob Baxter's men succumbed to a 17-40 defeat.

Hawkins attended an disciplinary hearing that comprised of Independent Judicial Officer Pamela Woodman (Scotland) and was proved guilty of breaching World Rugby Law 9.13 that deals with 'A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play'.

The Judicial Officer deemed Hawkins' act warranted a red card and had a mid-range entry sanction of six weeks but was handed the maximum mitigation of 50% taking into account their conduct during hearing, guilty plea, his previous disciplinary record and other mitigating factors.

His suspension could be reduced to two games if he successfully completes a World Rugby coaching intervention which means he will miss the Premiership game against Saracens and a friendly fixture against Scarlets.