Michael Cheika Faces Two-Week Suspension

Michael Cheika head coach of Leicester Tigers has received a suspension from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for “disrespecting” a match-day doctor during his first match in charge of the team. The 57-year-old Australian faced charges for violating rule 5.12 which pertains to actions deemed “prejudicial to the interests of the game,” following Leicester’s narrow win over Exeter Chiefs on opening day.

An independent disciplinary panel ruled that Cheika’s conduct warranted a two-week suspension with one week deferred until the end of the season. The RFU has yet to release the full judgment so the specifics of Cheika’s dispute with the match doctor and the context surrounding the incident remain unclear. Consequently, Cheika will miss the upcoming Premiership match against Newcastle Falcons.

Richard Whittam, the panel’s chair, stated, “The panel found that Michael Cheika disrespected the Independent match day doctor by challenging the decision he made for a player subject to an Immediate Permanent Removal (IPR).” He emphasized the need for everyone to respect the decisions made by the Independent Match Day Doctor despite the unique circumstances surrounding head injury assessments.

In response to the ruling, Tigers’ executive chairman Peter Tom expressed dissatisfaction with the decision and mentioned that the club would consider an appeal once they receive the written judgment. He affirmed that Leicester Tigers fully support the World Rugby Head Injury Assessment (HIA) process when executed correctly and remain dedicated to the safety and health of their players.

Tom also voiced disappointment that the RFU issued a statement about the panel’s decision without providing the club with the written judgment beforehand despite their request not to do so.