Blow for Ulster as Luke Marshall given five-week suspension, one for Wilson

ULSTER CENTRE LUKE Marshall will be unavailable to play until the last weekend in April after incurring a five-week ban today.

The Ireland international was cited for a kick to the head of Scarlets wing Michael Tagicakibau during Ulster’s 25 – 20 win last Friday.

The disciplinary committee, chaired by Pamela Woodman, deemed the incident worthy of a red card and under Law 10.4 c (kicking) judged Marshall offence to be at the mid-range, which holds an entry point of eight weeks.

Marshall’s punishment was reduced by three weeks when the committee considered ‘mitigating factors including his unblemished playing record’.

With a down week in the Pro12 ahead (and a Champions Cup quarter-final also in the time-frame) Marshall will miss three of Ulster’s Pro12 fixtures, including a trip to Connacht.

His ban will cease the day after the Sportsground clash,  at midnight on Sunday April 12. His next time on the field will be Leinster’s trip to Belfast on April 24 — the weekend following the Champions Cup semi-finals.

Updated 14.30

Roger Wilson was also punished by the disciplinary committee, the number eight was handed a one-game ban for striking a Scarlets player. He will miss Ulster’s away trip to face the Dragons on Sunday and the suspension will expire that night.

Originally published: 12.45

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