Wasps to appeal Brad Shields’ suspension

Planet Rugby

Wasps have announced that they will appeal Brad Shields’ four-week ban in the hope it will be overturned in time for their Champions Cup match with Toulouse on Sunday.

The back-row was suspended by an independent disciplinary hearing after he was red carded for a dangerous tackle in Wasps’ Round One clash against Munster last weekend.

The panel judged that Shields made contact with the head and neck area of Munster front-row Dave Kilcoyne at the CBS Arena, thereby warranting his red card.

Harsh verdict

Wasps, however, are convinced it was harsh and with an appeal likely to be held on Thursday evening, a successful challenge could mean Shields becomes available for the Stade Ernest Wallon showdown.

“I can’t say too much yet because I’ve not received the written judgement,” head coach Lee Blackett said.

“Once we’ve received that, we will appeal it. Saying that we’re appealing it probably tells you all you need to know.

“Brad is desperate to play. He probably feels harshly done to a little bit. Whatever will happen will happen, he’s the ultimate team man and he will react positively.”

Blackett is confident that barring any further losses, Wasps will be able to field a team for their round two fixture against Antoine Dupont’s Toulouse.

Gabe Oghre and Jeff Toomaga-Allen have been added to the injury list after Sunday’s defeat by Munster, lifting the total in the treatment room to 19, while none of the four players who tested positive for Covid will become available.

But Blackett will draft in reinforcements from the academy to make up the numbers.

“As long as nothing drastic happens from now to the game, we will be flying out to Toulouse,” Blackett said.

“If you start looking for excuses, it’s a dangerous path to go down so we just move forward and we’re looking forward to this game at the weekend.”

Shock as Ellis Genge to leave Leicester Tigers

Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers have suffered a blow after it was confirmed that captain Ellis Genge would be leaving the Premiership pace-setters at the end of the season.

He has indicated to the club that he won’t be activating an option in his contract to remain beyond the current campaign, following George Ford out the door.

The 26-year-old front-row has made 96 appearances for Tigers since making his debut during the 2015/16 season as a loan signing from his hometown, Bristol.