Louw banned, but freed for Bok Tests

Cape Town - Bath flank Francois Louw has copped a three week ban after pleading guilty to making contact with the eye area of Benetton forward Marco Fuser.

WATCH: Bok flank cited for alleged eye gouging

The Springbok loose forward was cited for a challenge in the 77th minute of Bath's Champions Cup victory over the Italian side last weekend.

Louw was cited by the match citing commissioner, Tim Lowry, in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).

Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (m) - contact with the eye area - carries sanctions ranging from four to 52 weeks.

According to Bath’s official website, the citing committee upheld the complaint and determined that the offence warranted a red card. The committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point.

There were no aggravating factors, however, and as Louw did not have a clean disciplinary record, the committee decided to reduce the sanction by only one week before imposing a suspension of three weeks.

Louw will be free to play on Monday, November 6 which means he will be available for the Springboks’ year-end tour to Europe.