Liam Williams to miss Wales vs Ireland in Six Nations on February 7

Scarlets player suspended for three matches after he was sent off for dangerous entry into a ruck; former Saracens player could be available for second Six Nations match against Scotland in the middle of February

Image: Liam Williams has made over 60 appearances for Wales

Liam Williams will miss Wales' opening Six Nations clash, after being given a three-game ban for his red card in the Scarlets' PRO14 derby defeat by Cardiff Blues.

British and Irish Lions back Williams will miss Ireland's visit to Cardiff on February 7.

He was sent off for diving into a ruck and making contact with the head of Blues forward Shane Lewis-Hughes.

A PRO14 statement read: "The player accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a red card.

"The incident was found to merit a mid-range entry point, which indicates a four-week suspension for this offence.

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"The judicial officer determined that there were factors, including the player's remorse, which warranted mitigation of one week.

"The player is suspended from participating in the next three meaningful fixtures for which he is fit and available for selection."

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The ban is set to cover two Scarlets matches, with the region expected to bring forward a PRO14 match next weekend to cover European competition postponements.

Scarlets then face Leinster in a re-arranged league game on January 30, before the opening Six Nations weekend.

Williams will hope the Scarlets' planned pre-Six Nations games are played with Wales due to visit Scotland on February 13.

The Scarlets' 29-20 defeat to the Blues was Williams' first game after he suffered an injury against Italy in December.

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