Sam Bedlow's disappointing 2021/22 season is over.
When Siale Piatua left Bristol Bears last summer a gap in the starting XV at 12 was there for the taking. But a series of injuries and now suspension has robbed the 26-year-old of the chance to really make the jersey his own.
On Friday night, making his Premiership appearance since January coming off the bench in the first half following an injury to Antoine Frisch, Bedlow was shown a red card for a high tackle on Gloucester' fly-half Adam Hastings.
Despite his absence for the final 11 minutes at Ashton Gate, Bristol scored a try in the 78th minute through Toby Fricker to beat their derby rivals 29-28 in a thrilling conclusion.
READ MORE: 'That's what I built this team around' - Pat Lam discusses his winning Bristol Bears selection
On Tuesday night Bedlow's case was dealt with by an independent disciplinary hearing and the Bristol Bears centre was handed a four-game suspension, although that will likely get reduced to three matches if he successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention program - which is essentially an online module in tackle technique.
Bedlow received the red card in the 69th minute and was charged with dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby law 9.13.
Sole Judicial Officer, Charles Cuthert said: “The player accepted the charge of dangerous tackling. He talked through the footage and explained his action in setting for the tackle and how it was that contact was made higher than intended. Gloucester Rugby confirmed that their player was not injured and required no further medical attention.
"When considering all of the factors relating to the incident, it was determined that the appropriate entry point was mid-range (noting that where there is head contact, the mandatory minimum mid-range entry point applies). The player had accepted the charge at the earliest opportunity and apologised to the Gloucester player immediately on-field. The only matter preventing full mitigation was a previous red card for a Tip Tackle in February 2021.
"Partial mitigation was allowed thereby reducing the six-week suspension entry point by two weeks.
"The player will miss the next four matches subject to successful completion of the World Rugby Coaching Intervention which will reduce the ban to three meaningful weeks.”
Bedlow miss the following games:
- 30.04.22 v Leicester Tigers
- 20.05.22 v Exeter Chiefs
- 04.06.22 v Sale Sharks
- 19.08.22 v TBC (Pre-season)*
