NEWPORT Gwent Dragons forward Nick Crosswell has been banned for three weeks for a flurry of punches in the loss to Glasgow that would have seen him red-carded if seen by the officials.

The 29-year-old New Zealander, who has been playing in the second row rather than his favoured position of flanker this season, attended a Guinness Pro12 disciplinary meeting this morning after being cited following the game at Scotstoun Stadium.

Video footage showed him throwing five punches approaching the hour with two connecting with the head of an unnamed Warriors player.

It was deemed to have been an offence that would have merited a red card if it had been seen by Irish referee Gary Conway and worthy of a five-week ban.

Crosswell’s early admission of guilt,his apology and that there had been no further effect on the result saw the sanction reduced by two weeks.

He will miss Friday’s game against Treviso at Rodney Parade as well as the away match against the Scarlets and home clash with Ulster.

The Dragons are already sweating on the fitness of lock Rynard Landman for this weekend’s fixture with the South African rated as 50/50. The starting second row partnership is likely to be Matthew Screech and Cory Hill.