LOCK Rynard Landman is attempting to feature in Newport Gwent Dragons’ bid for glory in the European Rugby Challenge Cup after appealing against the decision to suspend him for six weeks for catching Connacht’s Jack Carty with his elbow.

The South African was red-carded in the Guinness Pro12 loss to the Irish province at Rodney Parade last month and was slapped with ban until Sunday, April 19.

The offence – Landman striking the fly-half in the head as he attempted a charge down – was considered to be at the high end of World Rugby’s sanctions, which carries an entry-point of nine weeks.

However, it was reduced by three weeks due to the lock’s “unblemished record”, although the ban took into account the Dragons’ current break for the LV= Cup.

That still rules Landman out of the European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-final with Cardiff Blues and a potential semi-final at either London Irish or Edinburgh.

The South African will now go before an independent Pro12 appeal committee at a date yet to be confirmed.