Chiefs player to face hearing after brawl

An Exeter Chiefs player is facing an internal disciplinary hearing after punching  a man in an Australian hotel bar while celebrating a British and Irish Lions win.

Craig Mitchell has also been ordered to pay his victim thousands of pounds in compensation.

The prop, 27, who has represented his country in 15 tests, had travelled to Australia to watch the Lions tour. The fight broke out on Sunday at the Normanby Hotel in Brisbane, following the Lions' first test win over the Wallabies.

He was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years, fined $1,800 (£1,100) and ordered to pay $3000 in compensation to lawyer Cian Barry.

The Chiefs today issued a statement which said: "Exeter Rugby Club deeply regrets that one of its employees has faced court action in relation to their personal behaviour.

"The club does not condone law breaking of any kind and will continue to stress with all of its employees the importance of acting as positive ambassadors - even in difficult and unwanted circumstances.

"Craig Mitchell wishes to express his remorse not only to the victim and those involved in the incident, but also to Exeter Rugby Club, the Welsh Rugby Union and his family.”

The statement added that the player will now be subject to an internal disciplinary hearing within the club.

The club or player himself will not be making any further comment on the matter.