‘It hurts my reputation’: Leicester’s Cheika felt unwanted over ban

Michael Cheika at last month’s match at Sandy Park. Leicester won with a late try but the coach was then disciplined for a clash with a doctor. Photograph: Tom Sandberg/ppauk/Shutterstock

Leicester’s director of rugby, Michael Cheika, has questioned the decision to suspend him for disrespecting an independent match doctor last month, insisting he did little wrong and that the case had left him wondering if he is truly welcome in English club rugby. He has also suggested the Rugby Football Union’s disciplinary system could be revised and hit back at claims Leicester do not prioritise player welfare.

Cheika has now served his ban for mounting “a persistent challenge” to the independent doctor after two Tigers players were mistakenly sent back on to the field against Exeter on the Premiership’s opening weekend when both should have been removed permanently under current concussion protocols. Leicester have opted not to appeal but Cheika remains upset by the decision of a disciplinary panel to give him a one-match ban with a further match suspended.