Exeter Chiefs and England hopeful banned following dangerous tackle in PREM match

The case was heard by Gareth Rees KC, sitting as an independent Sole Judicial Officer, who determined that Hodge’s challenge was contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13.

The suspension can be reduced to two matches if Hodge successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme (CIP). The overview of the official citation was that the head-on-head contact between Hodge and Graham was unintentional, as Graham was withdrawn for a HIA.

As it stands, the 24-year-old will miss fixtures against: