Francois Steyn appeals against four-week ban

South Africa international Francois Steyn has lodged an appeal against the four-week ban handed to him by European Professsional Club Rugby authorities.

The incident happened when he was representing his club Montpellier in the European Champions Cup encounter against Leinster at RDS Arena on 13th January where he was sent-off in the 26th minute following a dangerous tackle on his counterpart Johnny Sexton and later on after an independent hearing, the 29-year-old was slammed with a four-week suspension.

In a statement, European Professsional Club Rugby said: " The independent disciplinary committee upheld the red card decision and found that Steyn had committed a dangerous tackle on the Leinster outside-half, Johnny Sexton, which resulted in reckless contact with the head in contravention of Law 10.4 (e) dangerous tackling.

"The appeal will be heard by conference call tomorrow by an appeal committee consisting of Rod McKenzie (Scotland), chairman, Roger Morris (Wales) and Simon Thomas (Wales)."