Sale Sharks have launched an investigation following an incident involving lock Jonny Hill and a Bath supporter at the conclusion of Saturday’s match.
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The altercation ended with the fan reportedly in a headlock. Bath secured a thrilling victory over Sale in the semi-final, advancing to face Northampton Saints in the Premiership final.
Hill, who was not participating in the game, was seated with the Sharks’ coaching staff when the confrontation occurred at the end of the heated encounter.
The fan, a 28-year-old man who wishes to remain anonymous, sustained a cut above his right eye and broken sunglasses.
He described the incident, saying: “I was sat there, and he came down the stairs, grabbed me around the throat, snapped my sunglasses, and cut the top of my eye. I don’t want to make a big thing.”
Sale Sharks head coach Alex Sanderson, who was on the pitch when the incident unfolded, stated he was unaware of the confrontation. He commented: “It is news to me; Jonny is not the aggressive type and I will answer those questions when I know more.
“I can vouch for Jonny’s character; he is not an overly aggressive or spiteful person.”
A Sale statement said: “Sale Sharks are aware of an incident involving a player and Bath Rugby fan at the final whistle of today’s Semi-Final. The club will work with Bath Rugby to complete an investigation into the incident and will provide no further comment at this time.”
Brazil and Hong Kong set to qualify for first Rugby World Cup, could play Steve Borthwick’s England
Reflecting World Rugby’s mission to increase the global competitiveness, reach, impact and value of international rugby, the 11th edition of the men’s pinnacle event will see the world’s top teams compete for the right to lift the Webb Ellis Cup across six weeks from 1 October to 13 November, 2027.
The new format will feature six pools of four teams, with a round of 16 added prior to the quarter-finals.
This will enable the tournament window to be reduced from seven to six weeks, while promoting a rhythm that builds momentum across the pool phase and respects the same minimum number of rest days between matches as at France 2023.
The expanded format could see tournament debuts for the like of Brazil and Hong Kong based on the current world rankings.
If the 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw was made tomorrow, this is what the Pools may look like (based on rankings). All pools are subject to change.
2027 Rugby World Cup draw (Current rankings)
POOL A
- South Africa
- Japan
- Georgia
- Hong Kong
POOL B
- Ireland
- Fiji
- Samoa
- Chile
