“I’m a better person than that and today I wasn’t.”
Former England star Dave Attwood has been banned after an incident in Bath’s win over Northampton last Saturday, and has shared a screenshot of a message he sent to his opponent after ‘losing his s***’.
An RFU statement read: “Attwood was cited for punching or striking contrary to World Rugby law 9.12 in the match against Northampton Saints on October 22.”
The ex-England lock will now miss the next three games, including the prestigious November 20 friendly arranged for The Rec against the Barbarians.
Fraser Dingwall was the Northampton player who was struck by Attwood, and although he suffered a nosebleed from the strike, he was able to play the rest of the game.
Dingwall had brought the incident to the referee’s attention, the written judgement explaining: “Northampton No12 gets up and goes immediately over to the referee.
“He shouts to the referee, ‘He has f******* slammed my head into the floor’. The TMO has a look at the incident informally but doesn’t see any clear footage to bring it to the attention of the referee.
In a long statement released by Attwood, he explains what happened from his point of view, but takes full responsibility and apologises.
“I wish to accept the charge and am providing the following statement in the hope of being able to save the panel’s time and allow them to consider this matter on the papers. I, Dave Attwood, wish to plead guilty to the charge of foul play under RFU regulation 9.12 – striking with the arm.
“In the second half of a fiercely competitive match against Northampton, I found myself attempting to clear out a ruck close to the Northampton line. Northampton No12 had effected the tackle and it was my opinion that he did not make a sufficient attempt to remove himself from the tackle area.
“With frustration, I took it upon myself to highlight this to both Northampton No12 and to the referee by attempting to jostle him vigorously and bang him into the floor.”
Attwood continued to explain how he accepts his mistake and underlines how there was no malice intended, before going on to reveal that not only did he apologise after the match, but he sent a message as well.
“Northampton No12 was not removed from the pitch and played the remainder of the game. At the next break in play, I took the opportunity to apologise to Northampton No12. I further reiterated this to him after the final whistle and messaged him privately that evening.
Attwood a lucky boy to be on the pitch after this. What was the TMO doing to miss it?! pic.twitter.com/uuK3SQxz4s
— Joe (@JoeCo45) October 22, 2022
“I will be happy to provide a screen copy of this message exchange if required but quoting it… ‘Hey dude, tough shift today. I’m sorry for losing my s***. I crossed a line and I’m not proud of it.
“‘I would have reacted worse if it was me. I’m sorry. I’m a better person than that and today I wasn’t. Good luck for the rest of the season. Will see you at your place in the New Year’.”
Dingwall replied: “All good, mate – as I said (on the pitch), I get it and it would have just happened in the heat of the moment. I do really appreciate the message and could tell you regretted it soon after anyway but don’t worry, I’m not holding any grudges… see you at our place.”
You can read Dave Attwood’s full statement here.
Related links:
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- I was 16, I had to look after her, and knew rugby could give me that chance; John Bateman
- Sean O’Brien to join Naas RFC so he can play All-Ireland League rugby
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