England Under-20 flanker Seb Kelly has been handed a six-match suspension by World Rugby after his shocking headbutt during the World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final against South Africa.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
The Sale Sharks back-row received a permanent red card during the first half of Monday's semi-final after headbutting Junior Springboks full-back Luan Giliomee while both players were on the ground following a tackle.
Reduced to 14 men for the remainder of the contest, England eventually fell to a 53-37 defeat, ending their hopes of reaching the final.
The incident sparked fierce criticism across social media, with many rugby fans describing Kelly's actions as "disgusting" and predicting a lengthy suspension.
World Rugby confirms six-match ban
Following an independent disciplinary hearing, World Rugby confirmed Kelly will serve a six-match suspension after accepting the sanction.
In a statement, World Rugby said:
"In determining the sanction for Seb Kelly, the FPRC found that the player struck his opponent, who was on the ground in a vulnerable position, with his head.
Which matches will Seb Kelly miss?
The suspension means Kelly will miss:
- England U20's third-place play-off against New Zealand.
- Two Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures for Sale Sharks.
- Three matches for Sale FC.
The ban brings a disappointing end to Kelly's Junior World Championship campaign after what had been a promising tournament before the controversial incident.
LATEST RUGBY NEWS
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading
