Ulster's Nick Williams was cited following Ulster's 36 - 17 victory over the Cardiff Blues last Friday night. During the first half, Williams drove his forearm into the head of Cardiff fly-half Rhys Patchell. See here.
Patchell was stretchered off and spent the night in hospital while Williams was handed a yellow card, a punishment which was deemed rather lenient by most observers. The offence had the whole of the Welsh rugby fraternity tweeting in disgust, along with a fair portion of Irish spectators.
The Pro 12 Disciplinary Committee initially banned Williams for 16 weeks, but this was reduced to 8 weeks in light of the mitigating factors, notably Williams exemplary previous record.
The ban rules him out for the rest of the season. He will return to action on September 1. Whether he will be at Ulster when that happens is an open question. It is widely anticipated he will make a move to Harlequins in the summer.
Cardiff are reportedly not happy about the reduction of the ban.
My sources tell me Cardiff Blues aren't impressed by Nick Williams having his ban for that hit on Rhys Patchell halved from 16 weeks to 8.
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) April 1, 2015
