Arnold banned for three weeks

Munster centre Sam Arnold has been banned for three weeks after being sent-off in the 24-17 derby defeat to Ulster on New Year’s Day.

Arnold was red carded for a dangerous tackle on fly-half Christian Lealiifano in the build up to the home side’s first try.

The centre will now miss this weekend’s encounter against Connacht, as well as their final two Champions Cup group matches, should he decide not to appeal.

A PRO14 statement said: “The disciplinary panel, comprising of Roger Morris (chair), Nigel Williams and Owain Rhys James (all Wales), concluded that the actions merited a mid-range entry point as a player must not tackle above the line of shoulders, an act of foul play which carries a six-week suspension.

“The ban was reduced after full mitigation of 50 per cent was applied having taken into account the player’s conduct throughout the hearing and his previously clean disciplinary record.”