Burleigh banned for one week as Pape is warned over reaction

Edinburgh’s Phil Burleigh has been given a one-week ban following the centre’s red card against Stade Francais at the weekend.

The 27-year-old New Zealander was sent off by English referee Craig Maxwell-keys in the 55th minute of the European Challenge Cup clash at BT Murrayfield, which Edinburgh won 28-23, for “striking” the lock Pascal Pape. In an earlier ruling the Frenchman was issued with an official warning for going to ground in an “exaggerated manner” after being struck by Burleigh.

It means Burleigh, who was making his 50th appearance for Edinburgh on Saturday, will be free to play in the 1872 Cup match against Glasgow on Boxing Day after missing tonight’s return match with Stade Francais in Paris.

Yesterday’s hearing heard evidence and submissions from Burleigh, who pleaded guilty to the offence, Edinburgh managing director Jonny Petrie, and from the EPCR disciplinary officer, Liam Mctiernan.

In upholding the red card decision, the Committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point.

Taking into account Burleigh’s clean disciplinary record, his guilty plea and expression of remorse, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50 per cent

before imposing a one-week suspension. He is free to play from Monday 19 December.

Pape was deemed to have acted “contrary to good sportsmanship” and the warning was issued by the match Citing Commissioner, Eddie Wigglesworth.

Scarlets flanker James Davies has received a three-week suspension for using foul language and making an obscene gesture.

Davies, who helped Great Britain’s men’s sevens team win a silver medal at the Rio Olympics four months ago, was cited for acts contrary to good sportsmanship following last Sunday’s European Champions Cup clash against Toulon.

Davies admitted the offence and on Tuesday apologised for his “unsportsmanlike behaviour”.