Val Rapava Ruskin suspended for six weeks

Worcester Warriors prop Val Rapava Ruskin has been handed a six-week ban by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary panel after he was proven guilty of pushing referee Greg Garner in the recently concluded Aviva Premiership clash against Newcastle Falcons.

The 24-year-old appeared before a three man disciplinary panel chaired by Daniel White in Bristol on Wednesday evening and was charged with a breach of law 10.4(m) that deals with acts contrary to good sportsmanship.

"The panel heard from the player and after carefully considering all of the available evidence, found that this was at the lower end of seriousness for this type of offending.

"The panel imposed a sanction of six weeks, which reflects the seriousness of making contact with a referee or any match official."

As a result, the former Georgia Under-19 will miss Worcester's final Aviva Premiership game this season against Leicester Tigers and will be available to play on 4th September.