Saracens prop Rhys Carre to miss Six Nations opener for Wales after three-week ban

Wales international Rhys Carre will miss the upcoming Six Nations tournament opener against Italy after he was banned for three weeks for his recent red-card incident while playing for his club Saracens.

The 21-year-old was sent-off French referee Alexandre Ruiz in the fifth minute of the Champions Cup game between Saracens and Ospreys played at Liberty Stadium last weekend for a dangerous tackle on Dan Evans.

The 6ft 2in prop appeared before an independent disciplinary committee on Wednesday and was proved guilty of the charges.

Carre was initially handed a six-week ban that was reduced by half considering his guilty plea, conduct during hearing and other mitigating factors.

As a result, Carre will be suspended until 2nd February which means he will miss out on the Wales' Six Nations opening game against Italy to be played at Principality Stadium on 1st February.

Carre made his Wales debut last year and went on to play six Tests including five appearances in the recently concluded World Cup campaign in Japan.