Gough banned for dangerous tackle

Wales international Ian Gough has received a three-week ban at a disciplinary hearing in Dublin after he was cited for a dangerous tackle during the Ospreys’ home Heineken Cup defeat against Saracens six days ago.

Second-row forward Gough was reported by match citing commissioner Peter Brown for the tackle on Saracens’ South African hooker Schalk Brits.

Meanwhile, Harlequins flanker Will Skinner has been handed a two-week ban after he was sent off during last weekend’s Heineken Cup victory over Toulouse in France.

Skinner received a red card for what European Rugby Cup described as “an act contrary to good sportsmanship”.

It followed an incident a minute from time when Skinner, who had been replaced 30 minutes earlier, played the match ball in the technical zone and prevented Toulouse from taking a quick lineout.