Australian international Quade Cooper has been banned for three Super Rugby matches after a dangerous tackle against the Lions at the weekend.
The Queensland Reds' out-half was sent off for a tackle on centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg as he dived over the line to score a try.
The Lions went on to beat the Reds by 44-14 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Queensland Reds' Quade Cooper. Image: ©INPHO/Photosport/Anthony Au-Yeung
Super Rugby's ruling body Sanzaar have now suspended the player until April 8th and released the following statement: "With respect to sanction the judicial committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid range entry point of six weeks."
"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's admission of guilt, his remorse and the fact that the player had a good disciplinary record having not come under notice since 2012, the judicial committee reduced the suspension to three weeks."
NEWS | Quade Cooper suspended for three weeks: https://t.co/SDPIpFTdMJ
— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) March 21, 2017
Cooper will now miss crucial games against the Jaguares, Hurricanes and Brumbies. The Australian outfit have lost three of their first four matches so far this season.
