Women's Six Nations: England's Sarah Beckett handed three-week ban after red card against Italy

England will be without Sarah Beckett for their Women's Six Nations clash against Wales, after the No. 8 was handed a three-week suspension.

The punishment is as a result of being sent off against Italy at the weekend.

The 25-year-old received her marching orders less than 20 minutes into the 48-0 victory in Parma.

She was originally only handed a yellow card for a dangerous clear-out that left Michela Sillari requiring surgery on a fractured leg.

However, Beckett then became the first female player to have a caution upgraded to a red when the TMO reviewed the incident.

An independent panel have now upheld the sending off, which could have resulted in a six-week ban.

They decided to reduce the sentence though, due to the player's "remorse, good character and exemplary conduct at the hearing."

In a statement, the panel added that Beckett "admitted that she had committed an act of foul play but contended that it had not been worthy of a red card."

It means she will miss three of England's Six Nations games, as the Red Roses - who were Grand Slam champions in 2023 - try to win a sixth successive crown.

On top of being absent for the fixture against Wales this weekend, the 25-year-old will be sidelined for the clashes with Scotland and Ireland.

However, she could return for their final game of the tournament, against France on April 27.

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