Gloucester confirm multi-game bans for two players

Thursday, 08 January 2026 at 11:29

byCharlie Elliott

Gloucester have confirmed the disciplinary outcomes for Arthur Clark and Ollie Thorley following their respective yellow card and 20-minute red card in last Friday’s Gallagher Prem defeat to Newcastle Red Bulls.

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The 25–19 loss ended Newcastle’s 19-match losing run and marked their first league victory since 2024.

Arthur Clark

Arthur Clark was shown a yellow card after becoming involved in an off-the-ball scuffle with Newcastle forward Jamie Hodgson, an incident that resulted in a penalty for the hosts.

Clark was subsequently cited for striking with the arm, in breach of World Rugby Law 9.12. His case was heard by an independent panel chaired by Jeremy Summers, alongside Guy Lovgreen and Tony Wheat.

Clark admitted the charge and was handed a three-match suspension. He will miss the following fixtures:

9 January 2026 vs Edinburgh Rugby
17 January 2026 vs Toulon
23 January 2026 vs Bath Rugby

Ollie Thorley

Ollie Thorley received a 20-minute red card for head-on-head contact while attempting to tackle Alex Hearle from the kick-off.

Thorley was charged with a dangerous tackle, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13. His case was considered on the papers by the same independent panel chaired by Jeremy Summers.

He accepted the charge and was also given a three-match ban. However, the sanction will be reduced to two matches if he successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme (CIP). His suspension covers:

9 January 2026 vs Edinburgh Rugby
17 January 2026 vs Toulon
23 January 2026 vs Bath Rugby (subject to completion of the CIP)

Both players will therefore miss Gloucester’s upcoming fixtures, with Thorley potentially available for the Bath match depending on his completion of the intervention programme.