Nathan Jibulu guilty of biting and banned along with Ma'a Nonu

Ma’a Nonu and Nathan Jibulu have both been handed bans following disciplinary hearings arising from the Investec Champions Cup round of 16.

Toulon centre Nonu has received a three-week suspension after his late yellow card against the Stormers, which he accepted warranted a red. The 43-year-old was cited for a dangerous tackle on Wandisile Simelane in the closing stages at Stade Mayol, with the disciplinary panel deeming the offence to be at the mid-range entry point.

That resulted in a six-week starting sanction, which was halved due to his guilty plea, remorse and strong disciplinary record. Nonu will be free to return on April 27, although that date could be brought forward to April 20 if he successfully completes World Rugby’s coaching intervention programme. The ban rules him out of Toulon’s quarter-final clash with Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sale Sharks hooker Jibulu has been banned for six weeks after being found guilty of biting Harlequins prop Will Hobson.

The 23-year-old, who had avoided punishment during the match at the Twickenham Stoop, admitted the offence at his hearing, with the panel applying the low-end entry point of 12 weeks for biting. That sanction was reduced by 50 per cent due to his immediate acceptance of wrongdoing, remorse, clean record and relative inexperience.

The suspension represents a significant blow for Sale ahead of their quarter-final meeting with Leinster on Saturday, particularly with Luke Cowan-Dickie also sidelined after surgery to his arm.

Jibulu’s ban could also have wider ramifications, with the young hooker in contention for England honours this summer before this incident. He will, however, feature again for Sale this season with a minimum of seven matches remaining.

Both players have the right to appeal.