Retallick banned for Wales and Scotland Tests but available to face England

Brodie Retallick has been banned for New Zealand’s upcoming Tests against Wales and Scotland, but he is in contention to return against England.

The lock was dismissed for a dangerous clean-out on Kazuki Himeno in the second half of Saturday’s 38-31 victory over Japan in Tokyo.

Speaking after that match, New Zealand head coach Ian Foster confirmed his side would look at contesting the red card.

An independent judicial committee handed Retallick a three-game ban on Tuesday, though that will be reduced by one game if he completes a coaching intervention programme.

The 31-year-old will therefore play no part against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday or Scotland in Edinburgh the following week, but he will be eligible to face England on November 19.

New Zealand, who retained their Rugby Championship title in September, have already lost hooker Dane Coles and skipper Sam Cane through injury against Japan.

Sam Whitelock will take over as captain after recovering from an inner ear problem.