Danny Cipriani faces three-week ban for dangerous tackle on Rory Scannell

Gloucester fly-half Danny Cipriani has been handed a three-week ban following his red-card incident in the recently concluded European Champions Cup clash against Munster at Thomond Park last weekend.

The England international was sent-off in the 29th minute of the game for a dangerous tackle on Munster centre Rory Scannell. The decision proved costly as the Cherry and Whites succumbed to a 36-22 defeat that saw them slip to the third position in Pool 2.

Cipriani appeared before an independent disciplinary panel on Wednesday and was proved guilty of the charges.

The 30-year-old was initially handed a six-week ban that was reduced by half taking into consideration his good disciplinary record and other mitigating factors.

Cipriani will miss three Premiership Rugby Cup games for Gloucester though it is unlikely he would have been involved in those matches. He will be free to resume playing on 16th November.

Cipriani played 16 Tests for England but was left out of the upcoming autumn international squad by Eddie Jones.

Earlier, he was fined £2,000 each by Jersey Magistrates' Court and his club Gloucester Rugby after he pleaded guilty to common assault and resisting arrest following his involvement in a nightclub assault.