James Davies: Scarlets flanker faces substantial ban for alleged foul language

James Davies is the younger brother of Wales and British and Irish Lions centre Jonathan

Scarlets flanker James Davies has been cited following an incident in the European Champions Cup loss in Toulon.

The 2016 Rio Olympics GB sevens silver medallist appeared to use a gesture and swear at referee Greg Garner.

Coach Wayne Pivac says the region will take action once European Professional Club Rugby have adjudicated.

Davies could face a ban of up to a year from ECPR while Pivac said potential regional punishment covered "all sorts of things right up to dismissal."

"There's all sorts of options, we'll take into account what happens at the [EPCR] tribunal," said Pivac.

"I'm not saying that [dismissal] is what we're doing, I'm saying that is a course of action".

The 2016 Rio Olympics GB sevens silver medallist appeared to use a gesture and swear at referee Greg Garner.

The EPCR citing notification alleges Davies "used foul and/or abusive language, and... made an obscene gesture... in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).

The range of ban for the offence starts at four weeks and goes up to 52 weeks.

Scarlets have have condemned Davies' "abusive language or actions" and the player has apologised for his action.

In a statement, the player said: "I would like to apologise to my team-mates, the fans, the Scarlets, my family and the rugby community."

James Davies has made 55 appearances for Scarlets

In the 28th minute at Stade Felix Mayol, Garner called over Davies and Scarlets captain Ken Owens and told Davies: "If you use that language again on the pitch, I'll send you off."

Davies said he had apologised to English official Garner during and after the game.

He added: "During the heat of battle I lost my composure and said and did things I deeply regret.

"I apologised to referee Mr Garner both during and after the game but would like to reiterate my sincerest apologies publically."

A Scarlets statement said: "The Scarlets hold the unique values of rugby union in the highest regard."

Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday, Pivac added: "The players are well aware of that in their contracts.

"This sort of thing is deemed as being very very serious and that's the way we're looking at it.

"Everybody in the club is very disappointed, there is no place for speaking to the referee he did in any sport.

"Then the hand gesture, it's just not sportsmanlike.

"James is only too aware of it now, and he was very remorseful at the time. I'm glad that he apologised shortly after the incident during the game and then again on the field at the full-time whistle."

Davies could now miss Scarlets' rematch with Toulon at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli on Sunday.