English coach learns disciplinary fate after slapping opposition player during a match
Cornish Pirates v Worcester Warriors in the 2025/26 CHAMP season
Cornish Pirates joint-head coach Alan Paver has copped a hefty six-week ban after slapping Worcester Warriors back Jake Garside last weekend.
The incident occurred in the latter stages of Worcester’s 29-7 win over the Pirates last weekend, which was picked up over the referee’s mic.
“I haven’t seen what started it, but I have seen the coach from Cornish Pirates come on to the field of play and slap one of the players in the face,” said the referee as he issued a penalty to the Warriors.
In the immediate aftermath, the Penzance-based side issued a statement, which read: “During Saturday’s fixture versus Worcester Warriors, an incident occurred involving our coach, Alan Paver, during match play, resulting in a red card.
“We accept responsibility for our part in the incident, the actions taken and acknowledge the seriousness of the matter. We will fully engage with the RFU’s disciplinary process, where all context and circumstances will be appropriately reviewed. Our priority is to respect due process and learn from this event.
“We will be making no further comment at this stage.
Cornish Pirates coach Alan Paver cops six-week ban following slap on player
And now, the RFU have confirmed he will be banned for the next six games, which will see him sidelined for the rest of the regular season and the first round of the play-offs.
“The case of Alan Paver, joint Head Coach of Cornish Pirates, was heard by an independent panel chaired by Matthew Weaver KC, sitting with Leon Lloyd and Mick McArdle,” an RFU statement read.
“Paver was shown a red card for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game, contrary to RFU Rule 5.12, during a match against Worcester Warriors on Saturday 28th March.
“Paver accepted the charge and received a six-match ban, which includes match-day activities.
On the ban, Pirates added: “The club and Alan accepted the ruling of the RFU and is grateful for its swift and diligent decision making. We will be making no further comment on the matter.”
As a result of his ban, Paver will now miss their upcoming regular season fixtures against Bedford Blues, Chinnor, Ealing Trailfinders, Coventry and Hartpury, with the sixth game to be confirmed following the final league positions.
At the time of writing, Pirates sit sixth in the CHAMP table on 62 points, but sit just one point above Nottingham and two above Hartpury in the race for the final play-off spot.