Gaby gets a raw deal from Wood and the citing panel

GUILTY of bad judgement. That is the only way to describe the Premiership disciplinary procedure that resulted in Wasps centre Gaby Lovobalavu being suspended for four weeks for a so-called ‘dangerous tackle’ on his Exeter opposite number Sam Hill in the final minute of last weekend’s league match at the Ricoh.

Lovobalavu’s tackle was sound technically and not dangerous. It did not strike the Chiefs centre’s neck or head – instead, the Fijian’s arm made contact with his upper arm below the shoulder joint. He also engaged both arms with one around Hill’s back, prompting Hill to say afterwards on social media that he considered it a legitimate tackle.

Nick Wood, the former Gloucester prop who is now a citing officer, decided differently. That is his privilege, but just because he opted to cite Lovobalavu – who is an important component in the Wasps midfield – did not mean that the panel was duty bound to agree. It was within the compass of the panel to dismiss the charge, and they should have done so having looked at the video evidence.

Wasps fans were incensed by Wood’s decision given that Wood played for Gloucester a couple of seasons ago and they were Wasps opponents at Kingsholm this weekend. I have no doubt he acted in good faith, but Wasps fans have been less charitable given that both clubs are battling for a top four Premiership finish.

The fiercely critical reaction to the ruling from Wasps rugby director Dai Young was fully merited.

Young said he fully supported the need to prioritise player welfare, but added:

“When an international referee and his touch judge, the tackled player and others surrounding him...many TV pundits and rugby supporters all see this the same way, it’s not hard to question this outcome.”

Quite right.