Ward banned for three weeks

Harlequins hooker Dave Ward has been handed a three-week ban for striking in his side's European Champions Cup defeat to Wasps on Sunday.

Ward went unpunished during the game but was cited in the aftermath and an independent disciplinary commission has now found him to have committed an offence worthy of a red card.

European Professional Club Rugby said in a statement: 

"Ward was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Murray Whyte (Ireland), for striking the Wasps flanker, Thomas Young (No 7), with his head in the 47th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).

"Law 10.4 (a) Striking with the head
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (a), striking with the head, carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 10 weeks; Top end: 16 to 104 weeks.

"An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Julian Morris (England), Chairman, Philippe Cavalieros (France) and Owain Rhys James (Wales), heard evidence and submissions from Ward, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, from the player's legal representative, Sam Jones, from the Harlequins Team Manager, Graeme Bowerbank, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

"The Committee upheld the citing complaint and determined that offence warranted a red card. The Committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point.

"As there were no aggravating factors, and taking into account Ward's good disciplinary record, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by one week before imposing a suspension of three weeks.

"Ward is free to play on Monday, 13 November and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision."