Saracens Prop Mako Vunipola Handed Three-week Ban For Dangerous Play
England prop Mako Vunipola has received a three-week ban after being sent off in Saracens' Gallagher Premiership victory over Newcastle.
But it means he will be available for England's autumn Tests, starting against Argentina on November 6.
Vunipola, who has won 70 caps, was dismissed for dangerous play in a ruck or maul at Kingston Park.
Mako Vunipola has been given a three-week ban following his dismissal against Newcastle
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He was charged by an independent disciplinary panel for dangerous play during a ruck or maul
He will miss Premiership games against Bath and Exeter, plus a Premiership Rugby Cup appointment with London Irish.
The suspension will be reduced by one match if he successfully completes World Rugby's coaching intervention programme.
Vunipola's case was heard by a three-man independent disciplinary panel, the Rugby Football Union said.
During the hearing, the prop was charged with 'dangerous play in a ruck or maul contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20a' which led to him being given his first red card of his career.
Saracens head coach Joe Shaw (pictured) defended Vunipola but did call the act 'reckless'
After the match, Saracens head coach Joe Shaw defended his player's disciplinary record.
He said: 'The first thing about Mako is that he is not a dirty player. That's his first red card which, considering the amount of games he's played, says something.
'It was reckless but we'll see what happens in the coming days.'
Jacob Umaga, the full-back for Wasps, was also handed a three-week ban for his sending off
Wasps full-back Jacob Umaga also received a three-week ban following his dismissal against Northampton on Sunday.
Umaga was charged with tackling, charging, pulling or grasping the jumper (Northampton wing Courtnall Skosan) in the air, contrary to World Rugby law 9.17.
Umaga is currently injured, and rik vip the RFU said that the games he will miss will be determined following confirmation from Wasps when he is fit to play again.
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