Gloucester wing Jonny May handed three-game suspension

Gloucester wing Jonny May has been handed a three-game ban following a challenge that broke the nose of Bath's Ollie Lawrence.

May was cited for a head-on-head collision on his former England teammate Ollie Lawrence and is charged under law 9 that deals with reckless or dangerous play.

Lawrence, who scored two tries during the game sustained a nose injury but continued to play the entire game helping Bath to a 47-25 victory.

Having appeared before an independent disciplinary panel, May, who announced retirement from international rugby following the World Cup in France was handed a three-game ban which could be reduced by a game if he successfully completes a World Rugby coaching intervention programme.

"I am relieved that Ollie was able to continue and finish the match although I apologise for the injury caused to him," May said in a written statement.

"I pride myself on my work ethic and developing my game and I will be working on my decision making and attacking breakdown technique in training, and I will ensure I continue to improve in this area."

Meanwhile, Lawrence in a statement released said May's action might not be intentional.

“During the early minutes of last night’s game, I was hit off the ball at a ruck in the face by Jonny May. He came from distance and there was a head on head collision. My nose was broken/fractured during the incident and that will obviously be with me for my career. I don’t believe it was intentional at all but the facts are the facts. Deal with it as you may.”