Overview

• An independent panel ruled that Underhill’s head-on-head tackle on Lyon full-back Davit Niniashvili in Cardiff warranted a six-week entry-point ban, which was reduced by two weeks for his remorse.
• The four-match suspension rules him out of Bath’s final regular-season game at Saracens, their home semi-final and a potential Premiership final at Twickenham.
• Underhill’s absence complicates Bath’s quest for a trophy treble after their Challenge Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup victories this season.
• The flanker’s ban may extend into England’s summer programme, including a non-cap match against France on June 21 and Tests against Argentina and the USA.
• Underhill served a three-week suspension in April for a high tackle against Pau, and that prior offence influenced the committee’s decision.