London Irish prop Ollie Hoskins handed one-week ban

London Irish prop Ollie Hoskins has been handed a one-week suspension following his red-card incident in the recently concluded Gallagher Premiership clash against Bristol Rugby at Ashton Gate last weekend.

The 26-year-old was sent-off by referee Wayne Barnes at the end of the first half for making contact with Chris Vui's head at the breakdown but despite the setback, London Irish managed a 27-27 draw in the game.

Hoskins appeared before an independent disciplinary committee comprising of Richard Whittam QC (chair), Mark Langley and Chris Skaife and was proved guilty of a breach in World Rugby Law 9.20 that deals with dangerous play in a ruck or maul.

"He accepted the red card, has a clean disciplinary record and apologised for his actions," said independent panel chair Richard Whittam QC.

"Having carefully analysed the footage, they [the panel] were satisfied to the requisite standard that the contact was shoulder to shoulder.

"The Bristol player fell to ground as a result of a second tackle from London Irish 11 and not as a result of being cleared out by the player as first thought."

As a result, Hoskins will miss the upcoming European Challenge Cup game against Toulon to be played on 7th December at Stade Felix Mayol.