Elliott Stooke and Jonathan Joseph have been charged for off-field infringements regarding COVID-19 in breach of their obligations under their contract of employment with Bath Rugby and in relation to RFU Rule 5.12 (conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union or Game).

Joseph and Stooke appeared before a disciplinary Club panel on Tuesday 2 February 2021 and an online independent panel last night, Wednesday 10 February 2021.

The players pleaded guilty to the charges and each apologised for socialising indoors with members of two different households.

The club disciplinary committee chaired by Tarquin McDonald determined and agreed the following sanctions for both players:

A suspension of one-game
The maximum fine permitted

Stooke drove home a member of another household at the end of the evening and was issued a further sanction by the club disciplinary committee:

A formal written warning
15 hours of community service

Bath Rugby reported this to the RFU and kept the RFU updated through the investigation and disciplinary process.

The independent disciplinary panel considered the sanctions that Bath Rugby had put in place but determined further sanctions which see Joseph given an additional one-week suspension, while Stooke was given an additional two-week suspension. This means Joseph is free to play again on 16 February 2021 and Stooke is free to play again on 23 February 2021.

The Club now reserves the right to appeal the panel’s decision and will consider this when the judgment is published.

Jonathan Joseph, Bath Rugby will miss the following matches:

Saturday 6 February - Bath Rugby v Harlequins

Friday 12 February - Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby

Elliott Stooke, Bath Rugby will miss the following matches:

Saturday 6 February - Bath Rugby v Harlequins

Friday 12 February - Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby

Friday 19 February - Bath Rugby v Gloucester

Notice of Disciplinary - Joseph and Stooke

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