Scotland fly-half Finn Russell must serve two-match ban for high tackle against Wales

Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has lost his appeal against the two-match ban imposed for a dangerous tackle against Wales earlier this month.

The Glasgow No 10 was hit with the suspension for a "reckless" tackle on Wales' Dan Biggar at  Murrayfield on February 15.

The 22-year-old stood motionless with his eyes on the ball as his opposite number jumped to catch an up-and-under during Wales' 26-23 victory, but his challenge left Biggar in a heap.

Russell was sin-binned by referee Glen Jackson and subsequently banned by a Six Nations disciplinary panel.

Scotland officials believed the suspension excessive and lodged an appeal which an independent committee has now rejected.

In a statement, the committee said: "The appeal of Finn Russell was heard today at London Heathrow before an independent Six Nations Appeal Committee, chaired by Christopher Quinlan QC (England), together with Jean-Noel Couraud (France) and Mike Rafter (England). 

"The Scotland outside half appealed against the finding by an independent Six Nations Disciplinary Committee that he had committed an act of foul play under law 10.4(i) of World Rugby's laws of the game in the RBS 6 Nations match between Scotland and Wales on 15 February 2015 and consequently given a two-week suspension.

"The Appeal Committee, having considered submissions on behalf of the player and on behalf of the Six Nations Disciplinary Officer, dismissed the appeal with the result that the original sanction of a two-week suspension stands, with Finn Russell able to return to play on 2 March 2015.

Law 10.4(i) states: "Tackling the jumper in the air - a player must not tackle nor tap, push or pull the foot or feet of an opponent jumping for the ball in a lineout or in open play."