Cornish Pirates coach given six-week ban after slapping Worcester Warriors player
It happened during the Champ game on 28th March 2026
Cornish Pirates joint-head coach Alan Paver has been banned from matches for six weeks after admitting slapping a Worcester Warriors player.
It happened in the 73rd minute of the Champ game on 28th March 2026 between the Pirates and Worcester Warriors.
It's been reported that a disagreement arose when the ball was kicked into the Cornish Pirates’ technical area and Worcester's Will Reed tried to prevent a Pirates player getting the ball to take a penalty.
Alan Paver entered the field of play and tried separate the players and when Worcester's Jake Garside came to intervene he slapped him on the side of his head.
The Assistant Referee confirmed having seen Paver strike the opposition player despite instructing him to leave the pitch.
Footage from two camera angles corroborated the accounts, displaying the sequence of events leading up to and following the incident, although it did not confirm who initiated Paver's entry onto the field.
Paver was charged under RFU Rule 5.12 for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union and the game.
At a RFU disciplinary panel hearing on 31st March 2026, Paver was initially given a twelve week ban but the punishment was reduced due to his good disciplinary record and the fact he admitted the charges.
The panel said the nature of the incident was "The incident was one of a coach assaulting a player on the field of play" and the incident was "not premeditated."
It also accepted Paver’s remorse, noting his decision consider removing himself from the touchline in future.
In a statement to the panel Paver said: "Following the match, I took time to calm down before going to the clubhouse, where I apologised to the match officials and a member of the Worcester coaching staff.
"I also attempted to apologise to Matt Everard, but he understandably did not wish to engage at that time. I felt it was best not to approach the players further in that moment.
"I have been coaching for over 14 years and have maintained a completely clean disciplinary record throughout that time.
"I fully recognise that my actions do not align with the values of the game or the standards expected of me as a coach.
"I regret my actions, accept full responsibility, and respectfully ask the panel to take into account my previous record, my remorse, and my acceptance of responsibility."