Williams set tomissWales’ opener in the Six Nations
Liam Williams has been ruled out of Wales' Six Nations opener after being given a three-game ban for his red card in the Scarlets' Guinness PRO14 derby defeat by Cardiff Blues.
British and Irish Lions back Williams will miss Ireland's visit to Cardiff on February 7 following his weekend dismissal.
The 29-year-old was sent off for a dangerous entry into a ruck when his head made direct contact with Blues flanker Shane LewisHughes.
A PRO14 statement said: "The player was shown a red card during the Cardiff Blues v Scarlets game on January 8 at Cardiff City Stadium by referee Craig Evans (WRU) under Law 9.20 (b) - A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.
"The player accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a red card. The incident was found to merit a mid-range entry point, which indicates a four-week suspension for this offence.
"The judicial officer determined that there were factors, including the player's remorse, which warranted mitigation of one week.
"The player is suspended from participating in the next three meaningful fixtures for which he is fit and available for selection."
The ban is set to cover two Scarlets matches, with the region expected to bring forward a PRO14 match next weekend to cover European competition postponements. Scarlets then face Leinster in a re-arranged league game on January 30 before the opening Six Nations weekend.