Jonny May: Gloucester winger banned for three games for tackle during Bath defeat

Winger Jonny May was making his first appearance for Gloucester this season after returning from England duty at the World Cup

Gloucester winger Jonny May has been banned for three games after being cited for a dangerous tackle during the team's defeat by Bath.

The 33-year-old was cited for a head-on-head collision with Bath centre Ollie Lawrence, who broke his nose.

Lawrence finished Friday's match and is eligible for Bath's next game.

May, who admitted the charge, can reduce his ban to two games if he completes a World Rugby coaching intervention programme.

May was making his first appearance for Gloucester this season after returning from the World Cup and announced his retirement from England following the tournament.

The tackle occurred off the ball during the first half to the side of a ruck. He was cited on Tuesday and called before an independent disciplinary panel.

"I am relieved that Ollie was able to continue and finish the match although I apologise for the injury caused to him," May said in a written statement.

"I pride myself on my work ethic and developing my game and I will be working on my decision making and attacking breakdown technique in training, and I will ensure I continue to improve in this area."

May will miss Gloucester's Premiership games away to Exeter on 19 November, at home to Leicester on 25 November and potentially away to Bristol on 2 December.