Garry Ringrose could return for Italy game after receiving ban for red card

Michael Bolton

Ireland centre Garry Ringrose could still play a part in the Six Nations after he received a ban following his red card against Wales in the Six Nations last weekend.

Ringrose was given a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Ben Thomas, which was upgraded to a red following a bunker review.

The 30-year-old has been suspended for three games, but it may be reduced to two if he completes World Rugby's coaching intervention programme.

Ringrose accepted he committed an act of foul play and showed remorse when he appeared before an independent disciplinary committee on Thursday.

In light of that and the player’s previous good record, the panel applied a maximum 50 per cent reduction to his sanction, having determined the mid-range entry point of six weeks/matches was appropriate for an infringement deemed “reckless”.

The two games Ringrose would be banned for would be Leinster against Cardiff in the Aviva this Saturday, along with Ireland's vital clash against France a week later.

Although Ringrose would not have been involved for Leinster anyway, the game included in the suspension means he could return in the final weekend against Italy.

France's Romain Ntamack also received a two-game ban when he was sent off against Wales in the opening game of the tournament, but games for Toulouse did not count as part of the suspension.

Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw will likely start in the centre against France, with Jamie Osbourne also an option having impressed in the win over Wales.