Northampton Saints fly-half Dan Biggar handed three-week suspension

Northampton Saints fly-half Dan Biggar has been handed a three-week suspension following his red-card incident in the recently concluded European Challenge Cup game against Gloucester.

Biggar was sent-off in the 52nd minute of the game by referee Sam Grove-White for a dangerous tackle on Gloucester centre Chris Harris and his absence proved decisive as the Saints went on to lose the encounter 31-21.

The Wales star faced an independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Philippe Cavalieros (France), chair Marcello d’Orey (Portugal), and Mitchell Read (England) and was proved guilty of breaching Law 9.13

The committee deemed Biggar's actions warranted a red card and had an entry of mid-range sanction of six weeks but was reduced by half taking into account his conduct during hearing and other mitigating factors.

"The committee upheld the red card decision, finding that in executing a tackle which warranted a red card, Biggar had made contact with Harris’s head. It was then determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point," read a statement.

Given his guilty plea and clear disciplinary record, and as there were no aggravating factors, it was decided to grant the full 50% mitigation and the committee therefore reduced the sanction by three weeks before imposing a three-week suspension."

Biggar will now miss the Premiership games against Bath, Harlequins and Saracens but could be available in time to face Mark McCall's men if he successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention programme.