Zander Fagerson banned for four matches and will miss rest of Six Nations

Scotland prop Zander Fagerson will miss the remainder of the Six Nations after being handed a four-match ban.

Scotland prop Zander Fagerson was sent off during the Six Nations match between against Wales at Murrayfield. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Fagerson was sent off in Saturday’s 25-24 home defeat by Wales for charging into a ruck.

Appearing before an independent disciplinary committee via Zoom, he accepted that he had committed an act of foul play, but did not accept that it warranted a red card.

The disciplinary committee disagreed and suspended Fagerson for four weeks, meaning he will miss Scotland's remaining three Six Nations matches against France, Ireland and Italy, and one further match to be determined.

Fagerson has the right to appeal.

The red card was issued for an infringement of Law 9.20(a) which states that “a player must not charge into a ruck or maul; charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul” and 9.20 (b) which says “a player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders”.

Fagerson’s shoulder made contact with the head of Wales prop Wyn Jones as he attempted a clear-out at a ruck in the 64th minute of the match at BT Murrayfield.

The disciplinary committee, which comprised David Hurley (Ireland), Becky Essex (England) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa), heard evidence and submissions from Fagerson, the Scotland head coach, Gregor Townsend, and legal counsel, Bruce Caldow (as well as from Six Nations’ legal representative).

A statement issued by the Six Nations said: “The Disciplinary Committee found that Mr Fagerson had committed an act of foul play (an infringement of Law 9.20(a) and that it had warranted a red card.

“The Disciplinary Committee found that the act of foul play warranted a mid-range entry point (six weeks’ suspension) and reduced that by two weeks to take account of mitigating factors (including his admission of foul play, good disciplinary record and remorse). Mr Fagerson is therefore suspended for four weeks and, given his playing schedule, he will miss the three Scotland matches in the Guinness Six Nations Championship against France, Ireland and Italy, and one further match to be determined. He was reminded of his right of appeal.”

Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony was banned for three matches last week after being sent off against Wales in the first round of the Championship.

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