Three-game ban rules Russell out of last-16 cup tie with Edinburgh

Finn Russell has received a threematch ban after his red card for striking France full-back Brice Dulin with his arm during Scotland’s win in Paris last Friday.

The fly-half is certain to miss Racing 92’s Champions Cup last-16 match against Edinburgh in Paris on Sunday. The ban covers two further matches to be defined after that game. If the Parisians win, then Russell will miss the following week’s quarter-final, at either Bristol or

Bordeaux, as well as one subsequent Top 14 match. Should Russell’s club falter against Edinburgh, however, then he will miss two league matches.

At a disciplinary hearing yesterday, Russell accepted he had committed an act of foul play which had warranted a red card. However, he did not accept he had “struck” Dulin, instead suggesting he had contravened the law which prevents a ball-carrier from handing off an opponent with excessive force. The panel dismissed Russell’s argument, however, deciding that his actions had been correctly categorised and that they warranted a midrange entry point of six weeks.

That ban was reduced by three weeks on mitigation due to Russell’s prompt acceptance that his actions had constituted foul play, his disciplinary record, his attitude to the disciplinary process, and his clear remorse.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that this year’s University matches would be the first since the Second World War to take place away from Twickenham. The fixtures, postponed from last year, are to be played at Welford Road on Sunday, July 4. It is understood the Rugby Football Union deemed hosting the matches at Twickenham as not financially viable due to doubts surrounding the return of fans to stadiums.