Cornish Pirates coach receives six-week ban after slapping opposition player

A Cornish Pirates assistant coach has been given a six-week ban after admitting to striking an opposition player during a Champ Rugby game. Alan Paver has accepted his suspension after slapping Worcester Warriors replacement Jake Garside following a scuffle late on in Pirates’ 29-7 defeat at Mennaye Field. Paver conceded that his conduct had been “inappropriate and unacceptable” and had apologised to the match officials and a member of the Worcester staff having been shown a red card by the referee.

Following a disciplinary hearing, the 48-year-old had a 12-week ban cut in half due to his “clear remorse and impressive disciplinary record. ” "I would like to begin by acknowledging and accepting that I struck Worcester number 21, Jake Garside,” Paver said in a statement to the disciplinary panel. “I fully recognise that this was inappropriate and unacceptable conduct for a coach.

“I fully accept that my reaction was inappropriate and a loss of composure. I was then instructed to leave the field, and I complied immediately. Following the match, I took time to calm down before going to the clubhouse, where I apologised to the match officials and a member of the Worcester coaching staff.

“I also attempted to apologise to [Worcester head coach] Matt Everard, but he understandably did not wish to engage at that time. I felt it was best not to approach the players further in that moment. I have been coaching for over 14 years and have maintained ac ompletely clean disciplinary record throughout that time.