Cited Kruis in Six Nations doubt

Saracens lock George Kruis' chances of playing in the opening round of the Six Nations are looking grim.

Kruis will appear before an Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel, after being cited for making a dangerous tackle - contrary to Law 10.4.e - in the 62nd minute of the Premiership match between Gloucester and Saracens last Friday, January 9.

Kruis will appear before an RFU panel - comprising of Jeremy Summers (chairman), Meg Gardiner and Inigo Churchill - on Tuesday.

The burly lock, who was involved in all four of England's year-end internationals in November, was shown a yellow card for the offence by the referee JP Doyle.

The referee, after reviewing the incident on the big screen at the ground, felt the tackle on Gloucester wing David Halaifonua did not merit a red card.

However, the RFU,s citing officer ruled that the offence was worthy of a red card.

Kruis could face a ban of up to eight weeks and even if it is half of that he could miss the start of the Six Nations.

A ban would also be felt by Saracens, who have two significant matches in the European Champions Cup this month in a tight pool, at home to Munster and then at Clermont Auvergne.