Jonny May handed three-match ban after being cited for dangerous tackle in Gloucester's loss to Bath

Gloucester wing Jonny May has been handed a three-match ban after being cited for a dangerous tackle.

The incident happened in last week’s 45-27 defeat at home to Bath in the Gallagher Premiership.

May was cited following a head-on collision with centre Ollie Lawrence, who broke his nose in the incident but was able to finish the game.

He had admitted the charge, saying "[I] failed to reduce my height properly," and will now miss the fixtures against Exeter and Leicester this month, as well as potentially next month's clash with Bristol.

However, the suspension could be reduced to two games if May goes on a World Rugby coaching intervention programme.

May issued a statement, where he said: “I am relieved that Ollie was able to continue and finish the match, although I apologise for the injury caused to him.

“I pride myself on my work ethic and developing my game, and I will be working on my decision making and attacking breakdown technique in training. I will ensure I continue to improve in this area.”

The 33-year old was making his first appearance since returning from the Rugby World Cup, where England were beaten in the semi-finals.

He has since announced his retirement from international rugby, bringing down the curtain on a 10-year career which saw him win 78 caps and score 36 tries.

A disciplinary panel confirmed that they did not believe the incident, which happened off the ball, to be intentional, but described May's actions as "highly reckless."

They went on to add: "He targeted a player who was not part of a ruck and made direct head-to-head contact with sufficient speed to drive Ollie Lawrence off his feet and back over his own try line.

"Jonny May made little, if any, attempt to lower his body height and in targeting a player who was not part of the breakdown, his actions were always illegal.

"Jonny May had a clear line of sight to the incident and, as such, there are no factors which might excuse, even in part, the recklessness of his actions."

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