WP Nel ban threat as he is cited for allegedly striking Pau player on head during Edinburgh Challenge Cup win

Edinburgh prop WP Nel has been cited. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)

Nel is alleged to have struck the head of the French side’s loosehead prop, Téo Bordenave, “in a dangerous manner” in the 42nd minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.12.

The complaint was made by the citing commissioner, Dana Teagarden of Germany.

Nel came on as a replacement for the injured Luan de Bruin during the first half of the Challenge Cup tie which Edinburgh won 54-5.

Law 9.12 states that “a player must not punch or strike with hand, arm, elbow or shoulder”.

A statement from European Professional Club Rugby said: “Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.”

Nel’s case will be heard via video conference by a committee comprising chair Simon Thomas (Wales), Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Martyn Wood (England).

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