Montpellier's Steyn sees appeal thrown out

Francois Steyn will be made to serve a four-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Jonathan Sexton after the Montpellier fly-half’s appeal was thrown out.

The South Africa international was shown a red card during Montpellier’s 57-3 European Champions Cup thumping at the hands of Leinster last month for a reckless tackle on Ireland number 10 Sexton.

Steyn has served half of his suspension and will miss the Top 14 matches against Toulouse and Lyon after an independent appeal committee ruled that his punishment should stand.

The 29-year-old could have been banned forup to six weeks, but a guilty plea and his remorse for the incident were taken into account when the verdict was initially made.

Steyn will be available to return for the trip to Clermont Auvergne on March 11.