Scarlets lock faces ban following red card in Welsh derby

Referee Ben Connor dismissed Douglas in the 40th minute for a dangerous clearout at the ruck, citing Law 9.20b, which prohibits contact above the shoulders during ruck or maul play.

Douglas accepted responsibility for the incident during the disciplinary hearing overseen by Judicial Officer Ms. Rose Alice Murphy. While the act warranted a mid-range four-week ban, Douglas received 50% mitigation due to his clean record and exemplary conduct, resulting in a two-game suspension.

There is also an opportunity for the ban to be further reduced if Douglas completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, which would shave one week off the suspension.

Douglas will be unavailable for Scarlets’ Champions Cup fixtures against Section Paloise on Saturday, 10 January, and Northampton Saints on Sunday, 18 January.

The two-week suspension removes a key presence from the Scarlets’ engine room, where Douglas’ physicality and experience are crucial in both set-piece and breakdown battles. His absence will force the Scarlets to adapt their forward rotation in the opening weeks of European competition.

With URC and Champions Cup clashes lined up during this period, the club will be keen to manage the squad carefully while Douglas serves his suspension and works through the coaching programme to reduce his sanction.