The second-row appeared before an independent judicial committee via video link last week having received a red card for an act of foul play in the Guinness Six Nations match between France and Scotland on Sunday 26th February 2023 played at the Stade de France, Paris. The Red Card was issued as a result of the Player acting contrary to Law No 9.13 (A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders).

The independent Judicial Committee consisting of Brenda Heather-Latu – Chair (Samoa), Becky Essex (England) and Donal Courtney (Ireland) heard the case, considering all the available evidence from Match Officials and submissions from the player and his representatives.

Gilchrist admitted that he had committed an act of foul play warranting the issue of a red card prior to the hearing.

After reviewing all the evidence, the Committee deemed that having regard to the particular circumstances, the Committee applied World Rugby’s mandatory minimum mid-range entry point for foul play resulting in contact with the head. This resulted in a starting point of a six week suspension.

Having acknowledged that there were no aggravating factors and accepted mitigating factors including: the Players early acknowledgement that the incident warranted a red card; the lack of intent and premeditation and clearly expressed remorse, the Committee reduced the six-week entry point by three weeks, resulting in a sanction of three weeks, (to be served as the following given the player’s upcoming schedule):

12 March 2023 Scotland v Ireland Guinness Six Nations
18 March 2023 Scotland v Italy Guinness Six Nations
25 March 2023 Connacht v Edinburgh URC

The Player applied to take part in the Coaching Intervention Programme to substitute the final match of his sanction for a Coaching Intervention, which was granted by the Committee. The programme is aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play.

Pending his completion of the tackle course, he’ll be eligible to play in the Connacht v Edinburgh match.