Scarlets: Gareth Davies banned for five weeks for headbutt

Gareth Davies was a second half substitute for Wales in the 61-20 win over Italy in Rome

Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies has been banned for five weeks after being sent off in the 26-15 Pro12 defeat by Edinburgh.

Davies was dismissed for a headbutt on Andries Strauss, just two minutes after coming on as a 57th-minute substitute at Parc y Scarlets.

The Pro12 Rugby Disciplinary Committee reduced the ban by five weeks due to Davies' conduct and good record.

Davies, 24, can return to action on Sunday 10 May, against Cardiff Blues.

Glasgow's Leone Nakarawa was banned for three weeks for a similar offence against Ospreys in February 2015.

Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac said he did not see the incident that led to Davies being banished.

But the New Zealander said going down to 14 men "made it a lot easier" for Edinburgh's defence.

"We struggled from that point," Pivac added.