Worcester Warriors back Melani Nanai suspended for three games

Worcester Warriors fullback Melani Nanai Vai has been handed a three-week ban following his red-card incident during the recently concluded Gallagher Premiership game against Gloucester at Sixways.

The 27-year-old was sent off in the 18th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jonny May, who left the field after the incident and Nanai's absence proved decisive for the Warriors as they went on to lose 15-44.

Nanai appeared before a disciplinary panel on Tuesday comprising Ian Unsworth QC (chair), with Mitch Read and Tony Wheat and was proved guilty of breaching World Rugby Law 9.16.

The panel deemed Nanai's action warranted a six-week ban but was reduced to half taking into account his clean disciplinary record, conduct during hearing and other mitigating factors.

Earlier, Nanai apologized through his social media account for the incident.

“Just wanted to say sorry to @J0nnyMay, my team mates, the staff @WorcsWarriors and all our fans. It wasn’t my intention to tackle that way & sending my best to Jonny and the Gloucester team for the rest of the season."

He will miss the Premiership games against Wasps, Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs and will be available to play from 1st September.