Munster's Alex Nankivell handed three-game suspension

Munster centre Alex Nankivell has been handed a three-game suspension following his red card incident in the United Rugby Championship semi-final game against Glasgow Warriors.

Nankivell was sent-off in the 73rd minute of the encounter by referee Andrea Piardi for a dangerous tackle. He was charged with a breach of Law 9.20 a that deals with A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul.

He faced an independent disciplinary hearing with Judicial officer Sibonile Khoza deeming that his act warranted a red card attracting a mid-range threshold of six weeks.

Nevertheless, he received a 50 percent reduction in suspension taking into account the guilty plea, conduct during hearing and other mitigating factors. His ban could be further reduced to two weeks if he successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.

Nankivell will now miss the pre-season fixtures for Munster against Bath and Gloucester on 31st August and 6th September respectively.