Sale hooker Nathan Jibulu has been banned for six weeks for biting Harlequins prop Will Hobson.
The incident occurred in the 69th minute of the Sharks’ 26-17 Champions Cup last-16 tie against Quins at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.
Jibulu, 23, could have been banned for 12 weeks, but his sanction was halved after taking into account his guilty plea, expression of remorse, young age and previous disciplinary record.
Sale, who face Leinster ahead of Saturday’s Champions Cup quarter-final, said in a statement: “Nathan has admitted the offense and both the club and the player agree that his actions were unacceptable.”
“We are united in our belief that players should always act as role models and that such behavior should not be tolerated on the rugby field or in society.
“The club will proceed with its own internal disciplinary procedures, but we will continue to fully support Nathan through this difficult time, both now and in the future.”
