Grondona’s Suspension Details

Bristol Bears forward Santiago Grondona has been suspended for three matches by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) after receiving a red card during his team’s Premiership Rugby victory over Exeter Chiefs. The disciplinary action comes after a head-on-head collision with Exeter’s back-row player Martin Moloney in the 29th minute of last Saturday’s match.

Incident Breakdown

• Offense: High tackle (head contact)
• Match Minute: 29’
• Player Impact: Moloney sustained a broken nose, though medical reports confirmed no concussion.
• Grondona’s Admission: The Argentine international accepted the charge during an independent disciplinary hearing.

Ban Conditions

• Initial Suspension: 3 matches
• Reduction Option: Down to 2 games if Grondona completes World Rugby’s coaching intervention program (tackle technique education).

Missed Fixtures

The 26-year-old will be sidelined for:

1. Gloucester (A) – This Saturday
2. Leicester Tigers (H) – April 20
3. Northampton Saints (A) – April 26 (subject to program completion)

Player and Team Context

• Grondona has made 11 appearances for Bristol this season.
• The Bears, currently mid-table, face heightened pressure in upcoming fixtures without their key flanker.

Wider Implications

This ruling reinforces the RFU’s zero-tolerance approach to dangerous tackles amid World Rugby’s player welfare initiatives. Recent cases, including Owen Farrell’s suspension, highlight stricter enforcement.