Beetham’s three-week ban

CARDIFF full-back Jacob Beetham has been banned for three weeks following his red card against Toulouse.

The 20-year-old was dismissed late on in his senior debut for a high tackle on Baptiste Germaine - with the Wales U20s international being met with a standing ovation as he departed in recognition for a standout performance in trying circumstances.

However, after being hit with a three-week ban, the academy product will have to wait until the new year if he is to be a part of Dai Young’s side when the senior players return from their quarantine nightmare.

A statement from European rugby confirmed his widelyexpected ban, with Cardiff having said throughout the week that they would not contest the decision.

And while the starting point for the ban was six weeks, Beetham’s guilty please, as well as his age, inexperience and good disciplinary record saw it halved.

The statement read: “The independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Matthew O’Grady (England), Chair, Becky Essex (England) and Mike Ross (Ireland), considered video imagery of the incident and heard evidence and submissions from Beetham, who accepted the red card decision, from the Cardiff Rugby Team Manager, Gafyn Cooper, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

“The Committee upheld the red card decision, finding that Beetham had made contact with Miquel’s head in a dangerous manner. It then determined that the offence was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected six weeks as the appropriate entry point.”

Beetham will be free to play on Monday, December 27 if he successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention.

Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.