Schalk Brits hit with three-week ban

Saracens hooker Schalk Brits has been banned for three weeks after admitting committing a dangerous tackle during his team's Heineken Cup win against Treviso last Sunday.

South African Brits, an influential figure behind Saracens' first Aviva Premiership title success last season, was cited following the tackle on Treviso wing Benjamin de Jager at Vicarage Road.

Brits pleaded guilty to the offence at a disciplinary hearing last night, when Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths made submissions on his behalf.

Independent judicial officer Rod McKenzie upheld the citing complaint, decided it was at a mid-range level of seriousness with an entry point of six weeks.

But after taking into account Brits' guilty plea, clean record and remorse, McKenzie reduced the punishment by 50%.

Brits, who has the right of appeal, can play again on December 8, meaning he will miss Saracens' Heineken Cup clash against Biarritz on Saturday, followed by Premiership appointments with Northampton and London Irish.