Heineken Champions Cup: Ulster prop Andy Warwick handed three-week suspension

Sale's Manu Tuilagi (second from left) and Ulster's Andy Warwick (third from left) clash heads

Ulster prop Andy Warwick has been handed a three-week suspension after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Manu Tuilagi during the defeat by Sale.

Warwick was not punished by referee Mathieu Raynal because the clash was deemed accidental.

The 31-year-old will miss three matches, including Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup game with La Rochelle.

His ban could be reduced to two weeks if he completes a World Rugby coaching intervention.

A statement from European Professional Club Rugby said: "The committee upheld the citing complaint, finding that in executing the tackle in a dangerous manner, Warwick had made contact with Tuilagi's head."

The tackle was deemed a mid-range offence by an independent disciplinary committee, which could have resulted in a six-week suspension.

However, the committee noted Warwick's "good disciplinary record" and his admission that he had "committed an act of foul play", resulting in a three-week ban.

Warwick will also miss Ulster's United Rugby Championship match against Connacht on 23 December, but he will be available to face Munster on 1 January if his ban is reduced.

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