Sale winger Byron McGuigan handed three-week ban

Sale Sharks winger Byron McGuigan has been handed a three-week ban following his red-card incident in the recently concluded Gallagher Premiership game against Saracens.

The 32-year-old was sent-off in the 46th minute of the game at Stonex Stadium last weekend for a dangerous tackle on Nick Tompkins by referee Tom Foley and his absence proved decisive as Sale went on to lose 14-25.

McGuigan appeared before an independent disciplinary panel comprising Samantha Hillas QC (chair) with Mitch Read and Tony Wheat and proved guilty of breaching World Rugby Law 9.11.

He was initially handed a six-week ban that was reduced by half taking into account guilty plea, conduct, player remorse and other mitigating factors.

McGuigan will now miss Sale Sharks' games against Ospreys, Clermont and Newcastle Falcons and will be available for the game against Wasps on 1st January.