Northampton scrumhalf Tom James has been banned for three weeks following a headbutt on Toulon's Ben White in a European Champions Cup match, it was announced Wednesday.
EPCR has confirmed the outcome of an independent disciplinary hearing for Tom James after his citing following Saints’ clash with RC Toulon.
— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) December 20, 2023
James was cited for striking White with his head in the 70th minute of Friday's match at Franklin's Gardens, the home ground of English club Northampton.
Tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby said the charge had been upheld by an independent disciplinary panel, with James out of action until 8 January subject to any appeal.
The offence could have seen the 30-year-old banned for six weeks but the panel said James's "timely acceptance of the charge and his clear disciplinary record", led them to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50 per cent before imposing a three-week suspension.
Northampton defeated French side Toulon 22-19, thanks to a late Tom Lockett try, and top Pool Three following wins in their opening two games.
The Saints are back in Premiership action away to Gloucester on Saturday.
In the second tier European Challenge Cup, Benetton Treviso back-row Sebastian Negri received a one-week suspension after the Italy international was sent off having received two yellow cards in a 29-7 win at home to Perpignan last Saturday.
Negri is free to play on Monday, 25 December and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.