England star Manu Tuilagi has copped a four-week ban after being sent off for a dangerous tackle on George North during Wales' 33-30 Six Nations defeat at Twickenham.
But lock Courtney Lawes escaped suspension for a dangerous tackle on Alun Wyn Jones because a three-strong disciplinary panel agreed with his view the offence did not merit a red card. Lawes is free to resume playing immediately.
Joe Marler, meanwhile, has been hit with a 10-week ban for grabbing Alun Wyn Jones' genitals during the game.
Centre Tuilagi accepted he had committed an act of foul play on winger North as he ran for the corner but claimed it did not warrant a dismissal.
But a three-strong disciplinary panel, consisting of David Hurley (Ireland), Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Sarah Smith (Scotland), ruled it had and suspended him.
It found the offence warranted a mid-range entry point of six weeks’ suspension but reduced it by two weeks to take account of mitigating factors, including good conduct and immediate remorse.
Tuilagi will be able to resume playing on Tuesday April 14. He has the right to appeal.
With England's remaining Six Nations match against Italy postponed because of the outbreak of coronavirus and club matches in doubt, Tuilagi may not miss any fixtures if they are called off as Great Britain tackles the crisis.
