Harlequins ban Dave Ward for one-week over stamp

Harlequins have suspended hooker Dave Ward for one match after a stamping incident against Wasps but have cleared him of spitting at an opponent.

The Premiership club reviewed video footage of the incident involving Ward and Wasps’ Thomas Young during Harlequins’ 20-13 win in Saturday’s Big Game 11 at Twickenham.

The incident took place in the 10th minute and led to a yellow card for Ward, who stepped on Young’s ankle.

Harlequins’ head of rugby Paul Gustard said: “We have reviewed this episode as a club and I have spoken with Dave.

“We do not coach, condone or accept foul play and on behalf of the team and the club, I apologise to Thomas, Dai (Young) and Wasps for this incident. It was an unnecessary and regrettable incident in what was a tightly contested match at Twickenham.”

Harlequins also reviewed the alleged spitting incident involving Ward and said they are satisfied that there is no case to answer.

Ward said: “I apologise unreservedly to Thomas Young, Wasps and everyone at Harlequins for my yellow card yesterday.

“I would also like to make clear that I did not spit on another player during the match yesterday. Regardless of what the television footage looks like I know that I have never spat on a player in all my career and will never do so.”