Breaking Garry Ringrose suspended but could still return for Six Nations finale in Italy

Garry Ringrose could be available for Ireland's final Guinness Six Nations game against Italy next month, despite picking up a suspension following his red card against Wales last Saturday.

The centre has been suspended for three games by an independent disciplinary committee, but that ban will be reduced to two weeks if he completes World Rugby's coaching intervention programme, more commonly known as 'Tackle School'.

The Leinster centre was sent off in last weekend’s 27-18 win over Wales for a dangerous tackle on Ben Thomas.

Initially shown a yellow on-field, the card was upgraded to red following a bunker review.

The 30-year-old appeared in front of an independent disciplinary this morning and was handed the ban, which rules him out of Saturday week’s round four clash with France.

Crucially, Leinster's BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with Cardiff on Saturday has been included on the list of games that Ringrose will be suspended for, which means he should be available for selection for Ireland's final Six Nations outing in Rome on 15 March.

More to follow...

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Watch a BKT United Rugby Championship double-header, Leinster v Cardiff and Ulster v Scarlets, on Saturday from 2.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.