Whitchurch lock Ollie Bates banned for six months
Whitchurch lock Ollie Bates has been suspended for 26 weeks after being found guilty of violent conduct at a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel.
Bates had pleaded his innocence after being cited by opponents Lichfield for striking an opponent, contrary to Law 10.4 (a), during the Midlands One West match on November 23.
But the panel at the hearing, held at the Bromsgrove Holiday Inn hotel last night, ruled he was the culprit.
They have banned him until May 26, then again from August 11 to October 6 after the close season.
Bates will be free to resume playing on October 7.