ERC hand Gough three-week ban

Wales international Ian Gough has received a three-week ban after he was cited for a dangerous tackle during the Ospreys’ Heineken Cup home defeat against Saracens six days ago.

Second-row forward Gough was reported by match citing commissioner Peter Brown for the tackle on Saracens’ South African hooker Schalk Brits.

Gough appeared at a European Rugby Cup disciplinary hearing in Dublin, when the punishment was imposed and then announced by ERC.

Gough, who has the right of appeal, cannot play again until January 9, which rules him out of the Ospreys’ RaboDirect Pro12 games against the Scarlets, Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons.