Six Nations 2015: 'Reckless' Finn Russell receives two-week ban

Scotland's Finn Russell will miss the Six Nations match with Italy after he was punished with a two-week suspension for a challenge on Wales' Dan Biggar.

Russell was yellow carded for the challenge in Sunday's 26-23 win for Wales, but a Six Nations disciplinary committee deemed it "reckless".

The stand-off is suspended until 1 March so will not take part against the Italians at Murrayfield on 28 February.

Scottish Rugby said on Thursday it will appeal against the ban.

Russell, who also played in the defeat by France, made the challenge on Biggar after 30 minutes at Murrayfield.

Wales went on to score 10 points while Russell was off the field.

The Six Nations disciplinary committee statement said the Glasgow Warriors player's actions were "reckless rather than deliberate".

It added: "The committee considered it at the lower end of World Rugby's scale of seriousness, carrying a three-week suspension.

"It 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."

But a Scottish Rugby spokesperson said: "We are disappointed by the outcome of today's discipline committee meeting, and subsequent suspension of stand-off Finn Russell.

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