Exeter Chiefs prop Josh Iosefa-Scott has been suspended for three matches after punching Hartpury’s Robbie Smith in the face during their Premiership Rugby Cup match on Saturday.

The incident happened after the 28-year-old was initially penalized for a foul on Hartpury full-back Alex Morgan during Chiefs’ 54-3 win.

The RFU described it as a “strike (possibly punch)”, with Iosefa-Scott receiving an immediate yellow card before struggling with an opposition player and receiving a second yellow and a red.

“As the ball is contested at a ruck, Exeter 17 Josh Iosefa-Scott comes in and takes out Hartpury 15 Alex Morgan at the back of the breakdown but is penalized by the referee for his entry,” the report said. RFU.

“Hartpury 12 Robbie Smith returning from the penalty spot hits Exeter 17 on his behind.

“There is a reaction from Exeter 17 and he punches Hartpury 12 in the face with some force and then follows that by grabbing the player by his shirt.

“A number of other players are subsequently involved, but no obvious foul play takes place.”

Iosefa-Scott will miss Exeter’s Premiership matches against Gloucester and Bath, as well as their opening European Champions Cup match against the Sharks on Saturday December 7.

He has made five appearances for the Chiefs this season.