Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder commented: “We are obviously disappointed to lose Freddie for three weeks. There was no malice or intent in his action, and Freddie has apologised unreservedly for it, but we are fully supportive of the concern for player safety in games, and accept the sanction.

“All our focus is now on preparing for our game against Benetton on Saturday.”

The chairman of the panel Gareth Graham said: “The panel heard evidence from the player as to the tackle and concluded that this was a reckless tackle that had, by the player’s own admission, ‘gone wrong’ as opposed to an intentional act of foul play. Given that there was no injury to the Worcester player, the panel found it was a low-end entry point.

“The player accepted the charge in full, apologised immediately on-field and to the Worcester player post-match and has a clear disciplinary record. Therefore the panel gave full mitigation reducing the sanction to three weeks”

The RFU disciplinary panel comprised of Gareth Graham (chairman) with Olly Kohn and Martin Picton.

Burns suspended for three weeks

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