Six Nations: Saracens lock George Kruis will not miss the start of England's campaign
Wednesday 14 January 2015 14:12, UK
Saracens lock George Kruis will not miss the start of England's Six Nations campaign after a Rugby Football Union disciplinary banned him for three weeks over a dangerous tackle.
Kruis, capped four times by England, was cited for a tip tackle on David Halaifonua during Saracens' 24-23 defeat at Gloucester and pleaded guilty in front of an RFU disciplinary hearing in London.
The 24-year-old will miss Saturday's crucial Champions Cup clash with Munster and the climax to the pool phase at Clermont the following weekend and can return to play on February 3.
He will be available for the Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff three days later, although is unlikely to make the match-day squad with Courtney Lawes, Dave Attwood and Geoff Parling above him in England's second row pecking order.
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall, speaking before the hearing had reached its verdict, anticipated that a ban was likely.
"It doesn't look great. George hits him well and doesn't realise, so lets him go and then you're in trouble. It all depends on how the tackled player lands," McCall said.
"The referee thought a yellow card was sufficient and hopefully the hearing will find the same, but I'm not sure it will."
Kruis made his England debut in the autumn following a second row injury crisis, winning four caps as a replacement against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia.
Watch the return of the European Champions Cup on Sky Sports 3 on Friday at 7pm
