Olly Woodburn has learnt his fate after his much-debated red card

Fears that Olly Woodburn could miss the upcoming Heineken Champions Cup semi-final following his Exeter red card have been quashed following an RFU disciplinary hearing. Woodburn, a star player for the Chiefs in their run to the last four stage in Europe where they will take on champions La Rochelle in Bordeaux on April 30, was sent off at Leicester last Sunday for two yellow cards.

The second of those yellows, when he slid in to try and prevent Chris Ashton from scoring a try, ignited a huge debate as referee Karl Dickson awarded a penalty try and gave a yellow card to Woodburn.

Having been carded earlier in the Gallagher Premiership match, it meant that Woodburn was also shown the red card and he missed the majority of the second half where Exeter went on to get beaten 62-19.

The red card resulted in Woodburn having to attend a disciplinary hearing and it has now been decided that his sending-off was sufficient punishment. He is now free to play and will be available for Exeter’s French trip at the end of the month as well as this Saturday’s league game at home to Bristol.

A statement read: “The case of Olly Woodburn, Exeter Chiefs, was heard yesterday evening [Tuesday] by a single judicial officer, Matthew Weaver, on papers.

“Woodburn received two yellow cards for technical offences, during the game against Leicester Tigers on 14 April, contrary to World Rugby law 9.27. The sending-off was deemed sufficient and the player is free to play again with immediate effect.”

In the full written judgement, a note that Exeter had provided read: “He [Woodburn] fully understood the reason for the cards being given and accepted them immediately. He approached Chrish Ashton at the time and apologised and again after the game. He accepts the charge against him.

“Olly has played professional rugby for 13 years, eight of those at Exeter. He has an exemplary playing record with no red cards having been issued and no citations. His last yellow card was last season for a technical offence. He has never received a yellow card for foul play. He is a highly regarded and popular player and one of the most senior in the squad.”

• Click here for the full written judgement