England hopeful cops major ban following ‘horrific’ red card in Premiership clash
Hugh Tizzard in action for Saracens.
Saracens lock Hugh Tizard has copped a mammoth six-game suspension following his red card picked up in his side’s defeat to Newcastle Falcons.
The forward, who featured for England A in their win over Australia A in November, accepted the charge of dangerous play in a ruck or maul.
Tizard cops major ban after red card
An RFU statement today confirmed the news, reading: “Hugh Tizard, Saracens, appeared before an independent disciplinary panel chaired by Sir James Dingemans sitting with Becky Essex and Daniel Gore, charged with dangerous play in a ruck or maul, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20.”
It added: “The incident, for which Tizard received a red card, took place in the game against Newcastle Falcons on 29 November 2024.”
The statement also confirmed he will be available to play from January 14 – missing Saracens’ next two fixtures against Bristol Bears and Munster. It has also been backdated, with the lock absent from his side’s previous four outings against the Bulls, Stade Francais, Northampton Saints and Bath.
This is yet another major blow for the six-time Premiership champions, who will also be without lock Nick Isiekwe for the foreseeable future after he picked up an injury against Bath.
Despite the lengthy ban, he is still in contention to feature for England during the Six Nations or the England A side to face Ireland A.
‘Horrific’ clearout punished
The clearout, which has effectively ended recipient Sammy Arnold’s season, caused a stir on social media.
Pretty horrific cleanout from Hugh Tizard to end the game…
Straight at the knee. pic.twitter.com/Jb3UL18yN5
— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) November 29, 2024
One user posted their anger at the clearout, stating: “That’s no clean out – that’s just a massive cheap shot. That high entry point, no mitigation.”
Another added: “That’s clearly assault, attempt to purposely break a leg.”
There were also calls for larger bans, with a user on X saying: “Should be 6-month ban knew exactly what he was doing.. gives it way to much the biggun these days ..”
Another posted: “6-month ban………..no place for that in the game.”