Leicester Tigers’ centre Solomone Kata has been suspended for four weeks following his red card against former club Exeter Chiefs.
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The 29-year-old Tongan international was sent off with just nine minutes remaining in the Premiership clash, after a head-on-head collision with Exeter captain Jack Yeandle. Despite the dismissal, Leicester held on to secure a 17-14 victory.
Unavailable Due to HIA Protocols
Kata had already been ruled out of this weekend’s game against Bath due to head injury assessment (HIA) protocols related to the clash. However, the suspension will now keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Suspended for October Fixtures
In addition to this weekend’s absence, Kata will miss Leicester’s Premiership fixtures throughout October. This includes crucial matches against Newcastle, Northampton Saints, Saracens, and Gloucester. His suspension means he won’t be eligible to return until December, for the Tigers’ trip to Sale.
Previous Disciplinary Record
Kata, who joined Leicester Tigers in May 2023 after leaving Exeter, has made a notable impact by scoring four tries for the club. However, this is not his first suspension. Last season, he served a three-match ban following a dangerous tackle on Northampton Saints’ Fraser Dingwall.
LEICESTER TEAM TO PLAY BATH:
STARTING XV
15 Freddie Steward [89]
14 Anthony Watson [18]
13 Izaia Perese [1]
12 Dan Kelly [82]
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins [23]
10 Jamie Shillcock [27]
9 Jack van Poortvliet (c) [74]
1 Nicky Smith [1]
2 Charlie Clare [96]
3 Joe Heyes [142]
4 Harry Wells [200]
5 George Martin [66]
6 Hanro Liebenberg [108]
7 Tommy Reffell [115]
8 Olly Cracknell [44]
REPLACEMENTS
16 Finn Theobald-Thomas [10]
17 James Cronin [35]
18 Dan Cole [324]
19 Côme Joussain [1]
20 Kyle Hatherell [21]
21 Ben Youngs [315]
22 Ben Volavola [1]
23 Mike Brown [27]