Brawling Six Nations props banned
Italy prop Michele Rizzo and France front row forward Rabah Slimani have both been banned for two weeks for foul play.
The duo were found guilty of head-butting each other during France's 30-10 victory over Italy on Sunday at a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday.
As a result, Slimani will miss France's game against Wales on February 21 while Rizzo will miss Italy's home game against Scotland on February 22.
The incident, which saw both players receive red cards, occurred in the 72nd minute of Sunday’s Test.
Both players agreed that the red cards had been correctly awarded by the referee and, in imposing sanctions in each case, the Committee found the foul play to be at the low end of the IRB's scale of offending, which carries a four-week entry point.
Rizzo, who had a previous clear disciplinary record, was afforded a two-week reduction in light of mitigating factors and was suspended for two weeks.
However, this two-week suspension is to be served over a period of three weeks because the committee was informed that the player would not have played this weekend in any event. He is free to resume playing on Monday, March 3 and has the right of appeal.
Slimani was also afforded a two-week reduction in light of mitigating factors, resulting in a two-week suspension. This suspension is to be served over the next two weeks, including the forthcoming weekend (the committee found that the player was available to play for his club, Stade Francais, this weekend had he not received a suspension). He is free to resume playing on Monday, February 24 and also has the right of appeal.
