he fallout from Friday night’s EPCR Challenge Cup final continues — and Bath flanker Sam Underhill is firmly in the spotlight.
EPCR confirmed they've received a citing complaint following a thunderous collision between Underhill and Lyon’s Davit Niniashvili during the second half at the Principality Stadium.
Replays brought the crowd to its feet — and not in celebration.
Smash. Head-on-head.
Underhill charges in at full throttle, and it’s Niniashvili who takes the brunt of it. The stadium gasps. The contact is sickening.
Underhill charges in at full throttle, and it’s Niniashvili who takes the brunt of it. The stadium gasps. The contact is sickening.
Boos ring out as the big screen shows it again. Many expected red — it had all the hallmarks — but the officials opt for yellow. Underhill heads for an HIA but stays in the match. Just.
Cue outrage.
Bath legend Gareth Chilcott didn’t mince his words on BBC Radio Bristol:
“That’s off, I’m afraid.
He led with the head, right on the cheekbone — it looked nasty.
For me, that’s a nailed-on red.
He’s a very lucky boy.”
Underhill now faces an anxious wait to learn the outcome of the citing process. A ban could rule him out of England’s summer fixtures.
