Pisi appeals six-week ban

Dublin - Samoa centre George Pisi has appealed against his six-week ban for a tip-tackle against Ireland last weekend, the independent Disciplinary Committee said Friday.

Pisi was shown only a yellow card for the incident during the match at Lansdowne Road, which Ireland went on to win 40-9, but on Tuesday he was handed a six-week suspension.

The 27-year-old, who plays for Northampton Saints in the English Premiership, successfully argued that it wasn't a dangerous tackle but failed to convince the three-man disciplinary panel in London that it did not warrant a red card.

On that basis the committee decided their punishment warranted a mid-range entry point of an eight-week suspension, which was eventually reduced to six due to mitigating factors.

Unless successful in his appeal, Pisi will not be able to play again until December 23, meaning he would miss Samoa's games against the French Barbarians this weekend and Georgia next weekend, as well as Northampton's two European Cup clashes against Pool 1 favourites Leinster.