Brits banned for three weeks

Dublin - Saracens hooker Schalk Brits has been banned for three weeks after admitting to a dangerous tackle during last weekend's European Cup win against Italian side Treviso.

South African forward Brits, who helped Saracens win the English Premiership title last season, was cited following the tackle on Treviso wing Benjamin de Jager at Vicarage Road.

Brits pleaded guilty to the offence at a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday.

Independent judicial officer Rod McKenzie decided the offence was at a mid-range level of seriousness with an entry point of six weeks.

But after taking into account Brits's guilty plea, clean record and remorse, McKenzie cut the ban to three weeks.

Brits, who has the right of appeal, can next play again on December 8, meaning he will miss Saracens' European Cup clash against Biarritz on Saturday, as well as Premiership fixtures with Northampton and London Irish.