Six Nations: Troncon gets 21-day ban

Former Italian captain Alessandro Troncon has been banned for 21 days following his dismissal in last weekend’s Six Nations Championship clash against Ireland.

Troncon was sent off by South African referee Jonathan Kaplan for punching Irish scrum-half Peter Stringer.

The suspension, dished out by a three-man Six Nations disciplinary panel, means that Troncon will miss Italy’s Twickenham appointment with England on Saturday week.

But the Montferrand scrum-half would be available to face France in Rome a fortnight later.

His case was heard by a committee comprising the Scottish Rugby Union’s Peter Brown and Douglas Hunter, together with Terry Vaux (Welsh Rugby Union).

‘‘The committee took into account the adverse effect of foul play, particularly in the Six Nations Championship, but also the previously exemplary disciplinary record of the player during his 54-cap international career,’’ said Six Nations chief executive Roger Pickering.

Troncon was red-carded late in a game, won 41-22 by Ireland at Rome’s Stadio Flaminio, after he floored Stringer with a right hook.

And it is the latest chapter in an eventful season, his suspension coming less than two months after he was restored to the Test team on orders from Italian Federation president Giancarlo Dondi.

Troncon lost the captaincy - and his place in the team - following a row with national coach Brad Johnstone after he put club commitments before an Italy tour last summer.

But his ability and experience will be sorely missed at Twickenham, where England are expected to swamp Italy after their 44-15 demolition of Wales last weekend.