Wasps coaches Scott Barrow and Pete Atkinson to face disciplinary hearing

Wasps coaches Scott Barrow and Pete Atkinson were charged by the Rugby Football Union following an incident in the recently concluded Gallagher Premiership game against Exeter Chiefs last weekend.

The incident escalated when Exeter tried to regather the ball quickly following a penalty that was awarded and just when the player came to grab the ball, Barrow was reported to kick it away from his reach and was sent-off by referee Wayne Barnes.

Head of Performance Atkinson also was sent-off shortly for allegedly making comments on Barnes.

The duo were scheduled to face an independent disciplinary hearing later on Tuesday with the panel comprising of chair Mike Hamlin along with Gareth Graham and Mitch Read.

"Wasps' Scott Barrow (Backs Transition Coach) and Pete Atkinson (Head of Performance) will appear before an independent disciplinary panel tonight (Tuesday 19 October 2021).

"Both individuals have been charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union and the game, contrary to RFU Rule 5.12, after they were ordered from the field of play by referee Wayne Barnes during the match Wasps v Exeter Chiefs on Saturday 16 October 2021.

"Barrow for interfering with play by back heeling the ball away from the pitch and blocking an Exeter Chiefs player from retrieving the ball in the second half of the match.

"Atkinson for comments made towards the referee following a try by Exeter Chiefs in the first half of the match."

The game saw Exeter staging a strong second half comeback with tries from Sam Simmonds and Jonny Hill as they went on to win the encounter by a 27-23 margin.