Exeter fly-half Joe Simmonds faces three-week ban

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Joe Simmonds has been handed a three-week ban following his dangerous tackle incident during the Champions Cup game against La Rochelle at Sandy Park earlier this month.

The 23-year-old was cited by the citing commissioner for a tackle on La Rochelle winger Kini Murimurivalu in the 16th minute but escaped any sanction from the on-field referee.

He appeared before Judicial officer Tommy Dalton on Thursday and the panel ruled that Simmonds' action warranted a red-card with a mid-range level that states six-week ban.

However, Simmonds' sanction was reduced by 50% after taking into account his conduct during hearing, guilty plea and other mitigating factors.

As a result, Simmonds will now miss Gallagher Premiership games against Sale Sharks and Gloucester Rugby and free to resume playing from 17th February.