Tom Botha: Ospreys prop given three-week ban for 'dangerous tackle'

Ospreys prop Tom Botha has been handed a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle during the European Challenge Cup loss against Gloucester on 12 April.

Botha was found guilty of an illegal challenge on centre Seb Atkinson in the 13th minute of the 23-13 defeat.

No action was taken during the game but the 33-year-old was later cited.

Botha was handed a three-week ban that will be reduced by one game if he completes a World Rugby's coaching intervention course.

Botha admitted he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card.

The three-person independent panel disagreed by deeming Botha had "tackled Atkinson in a dangerous and reckless manner" that warranted a red card and the citing complaint was upheld.

Botha was initially handed a six-week suspension but that was halved after taking into account his admission of foul play and clear disciplinary record.

He will miss the two United Rugby Championship (URC) games against Stormers and Bulls in South Africa but could be available for the trip to face Leinster on 11 May in Dublin.