Scots to appeal Russell ban

The Scottish Rugby Union confirmed their intention to appeal the two-week suspension of flyhalf Finn Russell by a Six Nations disciplinary committee.

Russell appeared before the panel, having been cited under Law 10.4 (e) and (i) for an alleged dangerous tackle of an opponent in the air, in the Six Nations match between Scotland and Wales last Sunday (February 15) at Murrayfield.

The disciplinary committee determined that Russell had committed an act of foul play, which merited a red card, rather than the on-field yellow card given by the match officials.

They decided that the offence should be categorised under Law 10.4 (i) and the view of the discipline committee was it was reckless, rather than deliberate.

The Committee considered it at the lower end of World Rugby's scale of seriousness carrying a three-week suspension, but noted the absence of aggravating factors and the existence of certain mitigating factors, including the player's clear disciplinary record, in applying a one-week reduction from the entry point.

A SRU spokesperson, said: "We are disappointed by the outcome of the discipline committee meeting, and subsequent suspension of flyhalf Finn Russell.

"Following the arrival of the written sanction later this week, we intend to appeal."