The verdict is in.

Danny Cipriani appeared before an independent disciplinary panel this evening charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game contrary to RFU Rule 5.12.

This followed his conviction for common assault and resisting arrest in Jersey on 16 August 2018.

Cipriani contested the charge but the panel comprising Gareth Graham (chair) with Mike Curling and Olly Kohn decided to uphold it. The panel imposed no further sanction over and above Gloucester’s sanction and actions of the court.

Panel chair Gareth Graham said:

“Danny Cipriani is expected to behave in line with the core values of the game which include respect and discipline. Those core values are not empty words or slogans as the panel were reminded during the hearing.”

“By his guilty plea before the criminal court, Mr Cipriani accepts that he behaved in a way that, in the panel’s view, fell below the standard of behaviour expected of a rugby player. The panel were supported in reaching that decision by Gloucester Rugby’s own internal disciplinary hearing finding that his behaviour fell below the standard that the club expects.”

“Mr Cipriani is a role model and by committing an act of common assault and by resisting arrest, the panel find his actions are prejudicial to the interests of the game.

“The panel took in to account the sanction imposed upon Mr Cipriani by the court and the sanction imposed by Gloucester Rugby and when considering the totality of both, do not impose any further sanction.”

“However, the panel do not agree that this is a ‘minor’ incident or ‘trivial’ and whilst they endorse the actions of Gloucester Rugby in fining Mr Cipriani and ordering that he complete 10 hours of work in the community, find that the decision of the RFU to bring a charge under Rule 5.12 was appropriate.”

Gloucester also released a statement following the verdict. CEO Stephen Vaughan commented:

“Whilst disappointed at the verdict this evening, we accept the decision of the panel, particularly concerning the way Gloucester Rugby have handled the matter. We believe that the panel’s decision not to impose any additional penalty endorses our approach.

“We now look forward to the start of the season and putting this incident behind us.”

Neither Club nor Player will be making any further comment on the matter.