Saracens lock Tizard given six-week ban

Hugh Tizard has made 55 appearances for Saracens

Saracens lock Hugh Tizard has been suspended for six games after accepting a charge of dangerous play following his red card against Newcastle Falcons last month.

The 24-year-old was sent off in the last minute of Sarries' 17-12 defeat on 29 November for coming in from the side on Newcastle's Sammy Arnold at a ruck.

Tizard has already missed four matches under provisional suspension ahead of the disciplinary hearing and will now sit out further games against Bristol on 4 January in the Premiership and the Champions Cup meeting with Munster seven days later.

An independent disciplinary panel heard the incident resulted in Arnold suffering a "serious" knee injury which is set to keep him out of action for up to three months.

The panel ruled Tizard's actions were "seriously reckless" but accepted the player had not intended to hurt Arnold.

Although the offence of "dangerous play at a ruck or maul" carries a 12-match sanction, Tizard's remorse and good disciplinary record meant that was reduced by 50%.

He will be available to play again from 14 January.

Saracens signed Tizard from Harlequins in January of 2022, since then he has gone on to make 55 appearances for the club.