Cipriani hit with 3-week ban for red card

Paris - Mercurial England flyhalf Danny Cipriani was handed a three-week ban on Wednesday for a dangerous tackle on Munster centre Rory Scannell during Gloucester's 36-22 defeat in their European Champions Cup match last Saturday.

The 30-year-old - overlooked for England's squad for the upcoming November Tests despite recent good form - had been given a six-week suspension but a three-man independent disciplinary committee halved it after taking into account his "clear disciplinary record" and "timely expression of remorse".

Cipriani - who prior to the season beginning had pleaded guilty to common assault and resisting arrest after an incident at a nightclub in Jersey - will be able to play again on November 12.

Earlier, Castres No 8 Maama Vaipulu received a six-week suspension for a red-card offence in the French side's 29-25 win over Exeter.

Tongan international Vaipulu was sent off in the 38th minute for a high tackle aimed at the head of Chiefs hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie.

He will be available for selection on December 3, six days before Castres face Munster at Thomond Park.