Saracens' Springbok hooker Schalk Brits has been banned for three weeks for a dangerous tackle.

Brits appeared before a disciplinary hearing for a tackle made on Benetton Treviso wing Benjamin de Jager in the European Cup match at Vicarage Road last Sunday.

The complaint was made by Citing Commissioner Jean-Etienne Bernard (France), for the dangerous tackle during the first half of the game in contravention of Law 10.4 (j). 

Law 10.4 (j) – Lifting a player from the ground and either dropping or driving that player's head and/or upper body into the ground whilst the player's feet are off the ground.

During the hearing Brits pleaded guilty to an act of foul play and Saracens Chief Executive, Edward Griffiths, also made representations on his behalf.

The judicial officer, Rod McKenzie (Scotland), upheld the citing complaint and having considered all the evidence available, determined that the act was in the mid-range of the level of seriousness for an offence of this type, with an entry point of six weeks.

Having taken into account mitigating factors, including the player's guilty plea, clean record and clear remorse, the judicial officer reduced the period of suspension by the maximum amount of 50 percent and suspended the player for a period of three weeks.

Brits will be available to play on Thursday, December 8.

Saracens are scheduled to play Biarritz in France in Round Two of the European Cup this coming weekend.