Worcester prop Ryan Bower handed two-week ban

Worcester prop Ryan Bower has been handed a two-week ban following his red-card incident in the recently concluded Gallagher Premiership clash against Bristol Bears at Sixways last weekend.

The 27-year-old was sent-off in the 69th minute of the game for making contact with the head of Will Hurrell and appeared before a disciplinary committee on Tuesday.

Rugby Football Union panel chair Daniel White confirmed that Bower's actions warranted a mid-range sanction and his ban was reduced to two weeks following his guilty plea and other mitigating factors.

"The panel found that the player had been in control of his actions when entering the ruck and had not charged in off his feet," said Rugby Football Union panel chair Daniel White.

"However it was accepted by the player that he had made direct contact with the head of Will Hurrell.

"As a result, the mandatory entry point of mid-range applied. The panel allowed maximum credit on account of the player's plea, previous clear record and all other mitigating features being present."

Bower will now miss Worcester's European Challenge Cup fixtures against Stade Francais and Ospreys.