Warriors scrum-half Duncan Weir banned for three matches for dangerous tackle

Duncan Weir has been banned for up to three games after a high tackle in Glasgow Warriors’ win over Ospreys.

The stand-off was initially sent to the sin bin after the challenge in the first half of the URC match in Swansea but his yellow card was later upgraded to a red after review.

A disciplinary panel then ruled that the tackle was worthy of a six-match ban but halved the punishment noting Weir’s apology and willing participation in the disciplinary process.

His remaining three-match suspension can be cut by a further one match if he participates in the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.

The ban covers this weekend’s match against Benetton, and an ‘A’ squad game against Edinburgh. Providing he completes the ‘Tackle school’ programme, he will be permitted to return against Ulster on November 25.

A statement from the URC said: “The Citing Commissioner in charge reported Glasgow Warriors player (No. 10) for an act of foul play in the 25th minute under Law 9.13 – A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.

“In the player’s responses to the panel overseeing the disciplinary process Sibonile Khoza (Chair), Stefan Terblanche (both SARU) and Kim Moloney (IRFU), he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play. The panel found that the incident met the red card threshold, with entry of mid-range warranting six games’ suspension. However, the panel reduced the suspension to three games due to the favourable mitigating factors a good record, apology and played full active part in the hearing which results in a three game suspension.

“Should the player complete the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme then the sanction will be reduced by one game.”

Meanwhile, Warriors have revealed that Jamie Dobie has undergone surgery at Ross Hall Hospital on an ankle injury sustained in last weekend’s win.

The scrum-half has now begun his rehabilitation process under the club’s medical team.