Dragons staff member cops ban over incident with Ben Whitehouse

A member of Dragons RFC’s back room staff has been given a touchline ban following an incident with URC referee Ben Whitehouse.

Dragons RFC Head of Performance Dan Baugh found himself in the dock after an unsavoury incident with the Welsh referee, in which Whitehouse could be heard saying ‘Don’t touch me’.

During the Dragons RFC versus Ospreys Round 5 fixture last Saturday at Rodney Parade, Baugh touched the arm of Whitehouse “in a manner that was deemed to breach Championship Rule 4.13”, which relates to how match officials are communicated with. Baugh’s actions were deemed unsportsmanlike in nature.

Baugh has now been banned for four games with three suspended across the course of the 2023/24 season. The Dragons have also been fined.

A URC statement reads: “As a result The ban means that Mr Baugh is prohibited from being in the Playing Enclosures (Pitch & Technical) areas but can sit in the stand, enter the dressing room and/or the coaches box during for this weekend’s fixture between Dragons RFC and Hollywood Bets Sharks in Durban.

“Should Mr Baugh repeat this offence or any other action deemed as misconduct throughout the rest of the season he will have to serve the remaining three games of the ban. A fine of £2,500 will also be incurred by Mr Baugh in such a situation.

“Additionally, Dragons RFC have been sanctioned with a suspended £5,000 fine under Disciplinary Rule 3.3.5 which refers to a club’s duty to exercise reasonable and proper control over their players and staff.

“The United Rugby Championship has made it clear to its clubs and their match-day personnel and squads that unsporting or disrespectful behaviour towards match officials will not be tolerated. The league thanks Dragons RFC for their compliance and understanding during this process and believes that this is a rare and isolated incident that is out of character with the club’s positive reputation.”