South African flanker Louw suspended

South African flanker Francois Louw was suspended for three weeks on Wednesday over an incident during Bath's European Champions Cup victory against Treviso at the weekend. Louw was cited for making contact with the eye area of Marco Fuser, who was also cited for biting in the same incident, during the 23-0 win at the home of the English club. The veteran South African, capped more than 50 times by the Springboks, tangled with Fuser at a 77th-minute breakdown, pulling the Italy lock away and then raking his hand across his face. "The (independent disciplinary) committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point," said a statement from European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) "There were no aggravating factors. However, as Louw did not have a clean disciplinary record, the committee decided to reduce the sanction by only one week before imposing a suspension of three weeks." The case against Fuser was dismissed after the committee "concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the charge". Louw will be available to play again on November 6, although both the player and the EPCR have the right to appeal the decision. Earlier on Wednesday, Leicester flanker Mike Williams was suspended for a week after admitting making contact with centre Henry Chavancy's head as he charged into a ruck in their Champions Cup defeat at Racing 92.