SRU appeal Leslie ban

The Scottish Rugby Union have confirmed they are to appeal Martin Leslie’s massive 12-week ban.

In a short statement released in Sydney, the SRU said they had "informed the appropriate authorities" that they were challenging the outcome of Wednesday’s hearing, although it is not known whether they are appealing against the actual verdict or the severity of the sentence.

Leslie received the punishment – the second biggest to be handed down during a World Cup tournament – after being found guilty of kneeing Jason Keyter in the head during Scotland’s victory over the United States in Brisbane last Monday.

With the 31-year-old Edinburgh back-row due to retire from the international game at the end of the World Cup, the suspension effectively ended his 37-cap Test career.

Even though the video evidence viewed by the disciplinary panel on Wednesday appeared pretty conclusive, coach Ian McGeechan had already suggested the Scottish camp felt hard done by, while Leslie’s team-mates have been quick to rally to the Kiwi-born player’s defence.

However, in his summing up of the case, which was heard by a three-man disciplinary panel, judicial officer Terry Willis claimed a suspension was inevitable.

“The clearest angle of the incident shows that Leslie, of his own volition, pulled the jersey of Keyter, dragging him onto the Scottish side of the ruck,” said Willis in a statement.

“He had ample space after dragging the American player down to avoid contact between his right knee and the head of the player.

“I reject the argument that he used his right leg to propel himself forward and find that he deliberately dropped his knee into the head of the player.

“I am mindful that a significant period of suspension is required to mark my concern over the unnecessary and dangerous use of the knee by Leslie on the head of the American player who was in an unprotected and vulnerable position.”

As it stands, Leslie would not be allowed to play again until January 12, which would mean him not only missing the remainder of Scotland’s World Cup campaign, but also Edinburgh’s assault on the Heineken Cup.

With his contract due to expire at the end of next month, Leslie’s entire future in the sport is in doubt and there has been talk of a switch to rugby league.