RFU charges Leicester coach Cheika after clash with doctor at Exeter game

The Leicester head coach, Michael Cheika, has been hit with a prejudicial conduct charge by the Rugby Football Union. Cheika will face an independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday evening.

He has been summoned for an alleged breach of RFU rule 5.12, which covers conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game and/or Union.

Cheika is alleged to have disrespected the independent match-day doctor following Leicester’s Premiership opener at Exeter on 21 September, the RFU said. Leicester won the game thanks to a stoppage-time try from the. Tigers’ Wales international flanker Tommy Reffell.

The former Australia head coach Cheika has been in charge at Leicester for only two Premiership games, having taken over from Dan McKellar.

Tigers edged Exeter 17-14 at Sandy Park, before losing 20-15 on home soil against Bath. Their next game is away to Newcastle on Saturday.