Sale Sharks' Rob du Preez handed three-week ban

Sale Sharks fly-half Robert Du Preez has been handed a three-week ban following his red-card incident in the recently concluded Gallagher Premiership game against Gloucester Rugby at AJ Bell Stadium.

Du Preez was sent-off by referee Adam Leal in the 23rd minute of the game for a tip tackle on Gloucester prop Val Rapava-Ruskin which is contrary to the World Rugby Law 9.18.

The 27-year-old appeared before an online disciplinary panel comprising Ian Unsworth QC (chair) with Mitch Read and Tony Wheat on Tuesday night and accepted the charges.

“Du Preez accepted the charge and was given a three-week suspension by the independent disciplinary panel. He is free to play again on May 18," read a statement.

The South African will now miss the Premiership games against Worcester Warriors, Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby.

Despite, Du Preez's red-card Sale Sharks went on to win the encounter with a 25-22 margin that has taken them to the third place in the Gallagher Premiership table with 50 points.