Brits hit costs him a ban

Published: Thursday, 17. November, 2011 in category Northern Hemishere
Brits: Banned for three weeks

South African Brits, an influential figure behind Saracens' first Aviva Premiership title success last season, was cited following the tackle on Treviso wing Benjamin de Jager at Vicarage Road.

Brits pleaded guilty to the offence at a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday night, when Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths made submissions on his behalf.

Independent judicial officer Rod McKenzie upheld the citing complaint, decided it was at a mid-range level of seriousness with an entry point of six weeks.

But after taking into account Brits' guilty plea, clean record and remorse, McKenzie reduced the punishment by 50%.

Brits, who has the right of appeal, can play again on December 8, meaning he will miss Saracens' Heineken Cup clash against Biarritz on Saturday, followed by Premiership appointments with Northampton and London Irish.