Michael Cheika Suspended for Disrespecting Doctor

Michael Cheika, head coach of the Leicester Tigers, has been suspended for two weeks, with one week suspended, after being found guilty of disrespecting an independent match-day doctor during his first game in charge. The incident occurred during Leicester's opening match against Exeter Chiefs, where Cheika challenged the doctor's decision regarding a player's immediate permanent removal due to head injury concerns. The Rugby Football Union's independent disciplinary panel determined that Cheika's actions were 'prejudicial to the interests of the game' under rule 5.12. As a result of the suspension, Cheika will miss the upcoming match against Newcastle Falcons. The full details of the incident are yet to be released, but the panel emphasized the importance of respecting the doctors' decisions regarding player safety. This ruling highlights the ongoing challenges in managing player health protocols in rugby.