Scotland to appeal two-week ban on outhalf Finn Russell

The Scottish Rugby Union intends to appeal the two-week suspension handed down to Scotland outhalf Finn Russell for his tackle on Wales' Dan Biggar during the Six Nations match at Murrayfield last Sunday.

The Glasgow Warriors player will have to sit out Scotland’s next game against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday, February 28th if the proposed appeal is dismissed.

The 22-year-old was handed a three-week ban, reduced by a week for his clean record, after appearing before a disciplinary panel in London on Wednesday.

Russell avoided a lengthy ban as the Six Nations’ disciplinary officers judged his tackle on Biggar in the 26-23 defeat to be “reckless rather than deliberate”.

Russell collided with Biggar as his Wales counterpart leapt for a high ball during the first half. The Ospreys playmaker landed in a heap, but avoided serious injury and was able to continue.

New Zealand referee Glen Jackson sin-binned Russell, but a Six Nations disciplinary committee ruled the offence warranted a red card.

“The disciplinary committee decided that the offence was reckless rather than deliberate,” read a Six Nations statement.

“The committee considered it at the lower end of World Rugby’s scale of seriousness, carrying a three-week suspension.

“It noted the absence of aggravating factors and the existence of certain mitigating factors, including the player’s clear disciplinary record, in applying a one-week reduction from the entry point.”

The SRU soon announced its intention to appeal against Russell’s punishment.

A statement read: “We are disappointed by the outcome of today’s discipline committee meeting, and subsequent suspension of stand-off Finn Russell.

“Following the arrival of the written sanction later this week, we intend to appeal.”