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Brad Barritt apologises to Exeter's Geoff Parling for tackle but faces RFU charge

By Michael Cantillon

Wednesday 11 January 2017 09:22, UK

Brad Barritt of Saracens looks on during the Aviva Premiership match between Saracens and Wasps at Allianz Park on October 9 2016
Image: Brad Barritt has apologised after his unpunished tackle left Geoff Parling unconscious

England and Saracens centre Brad Barritt has apologised to Exeter Chiefs second-row Geoff Parling after his high tackle left Parling unconscious.

Barritt, 30, made the hit in a dual tackle with prop Richard Barrington, for which Barrington saw red but Barritt received no punishment - both players have since been cited by the Rugby Football Union.

Parling had to be stretchered from the pitch having been knocked unconscious, although he did recover sufficiently to watch the remainder of the match from the sidelines. 

Indeed 33-year-old Parling, who has 42 caps for England and was a key member of the 2013 victorious British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, was stood down for 10 weeks in September 2014 after suffering two concussions in a month while playing for Leicester Tigers. 

Geoff Parling of Exeter Chiefs is stretchered off the pitch
Image: Parling was stretchered off the pitch following the dual blow

Barritt has since been cited for the head-high swinging arm, and took to Twitter to apologise on Monday. 

"I just wanted to express my sincere apologies to Geoff and all the Premiership fans watching on Saturday," Barritt said in a statement released on his Twitter. 

"No one likes seeing a fellow player get injured, and it's even more disappointing when I'm involved. 

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Richard Barrington of Saracens is sent off for a tackle on Geoff Parling
Image: Barrington received a red card following the incident, but no action was taken against Barritt at the time

"I take responsibility for my misjudgement of the tackle and assure you no malice was intended. 

"Wishing you a speedy recovery mate!" 

Following on from his apology, the RFU released their own statement later on Monday confirming that Barritt, as well as Barrington, will now appear before an RFU Disciplinary panel. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Geoff Parling, who has been selected to play for the Lions in the second test match against the Wallabies, runs with the b
Image: Parling was a key member of the 2013 Lions tour to Australia, starting two Tests

"Richard Barrington & Brad Barritt of Saracens will appear before an RFU Disciplinary panel in London on Tuesday evening," the RFU confirmed in a press release. 

"Barrington was sent off by referee Ian Tempest in the weekend's Aviva Premiership match between Saracens and Exeter Chiefs for making contact with the head of Geoff Parling of Exeter Chiefs. 

"He has been charged with dangerous charging, contrary to law 10.4(g), for the incident which occurred in the first half of the match.

Geoff Parling of Exeter Chiefs is tackled by Luke Wallace of Harlequins during the Aviva Premiership match at Snady Park in September 2016
Image: Parling has been with Exeter since 2015 having spent six years with both Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers previously

"In the same incident, Brad Barritt allegedly tackled Geoff Parling dangerously, making contact with his head and was subsequently cited by the citing commissioner charged with dangerous tackling, contrary to law 10.4(e).

"Both players will appear before a three-person RFU Disciplinary panel chaired by Jeremy Summers on Tuesday January 10."

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