Statement: Leicester Tigers star handed big ban after being ruled out by concussion

of this weekend’s game against Bath due to head injury assessment (HIA) protocols related to the clash. However, the suspension will now keep him sidelined for an extended period.

The 29-year-old Tongan international was sent off with just nine minutes remaining in the Premiership clash, after a head-on-head collision with Exeter captain Jack Yeandle. Despite the dismissal, Leicester held on to secure a 17-14 victory.

In addition to this weekend's absence, Kata will miss Leicester's Premiership fixtures throughout October. This includes crucial matches against Newcastle, Northampton Saints, Saracens, and Gloucester. His suspension means he won't be eligible to return until December, for the Tigers’ trip to Sale.

Kata, who joined Leicester Tigers in May 2023 after leaving Exeter, has made a notable impact by scoring four tries for the club. However, this is not his first suspension. Last season, he served a three-match ban following a dangerous tackle on Northampton Saints' Fraser Dingwall.

15 Freddie Steward [89]

14 Anthony Watson [18]

13 Izaia Perese [1]

12 Dan Kelly [82]

11 Ollie Hassell-Collins [23]

10 Jamie Shillcock [27]

9 Jack van Poortvliet (c) [74]

1 Nicky Smith [1]

2 Charlie Clare [96]

3 Joe Heyes [142]

4 Harry Wells [200]

5 George Martin [66]

6 Hanro Liebenberg [108]

7 Tommy Reffell [115]

8 Olly Cracknell [44]

16 Finn Theobald-Thomas [10]

17 James Cronin [35]

18 Dan Cole [324]

19 Côme Joussain [1]

20 Kyle Hatherell [21]

21 Ben Youngs [315]

22 Ben Volavola [1]

23 Mike Brown [27]