Will Skinner hit with two-week ban

Harlequins flanker Will Skinner has been given a two-week ban after his sending-off against Toulouse at the weekend.

The 27-year-old has been punished for picking up a red card in the side's Heineken Cup victory over Toulouse on Sunday.

An ERC statement reads: "For red card hearings, the onus rests with the player to demonstrate that the referee's decision to issue the red was wrong and the judicial officer found the player had not demonstrated that, and he accordingly upheld the red card.

"Employing the IRB-recommended sanctions for acts contrary to good sportsmanship, the judicial officer decided that the offence was at the low-end entry point of four weeks.

"Having taken into account the mitigating factors, including the player's excellent record, he decided on the maximum reduction of 50% and imposed a suspension of two weeks."

Skinner, who is permitted to appeal the ruling, will not be eligible to feature for Harlequins until January 2.