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Gregor Townsend calls for clarification over mid-air challenges

Gregor Townsend calls for clarification on mid-air challenges after Finn Russell was handed a ban for his challenge on Dan Biggar.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has called for clarification over mid-air challenges.

The latest controversial decision, involving Glasgow and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell and Wales's Dan Biggar, earned the former a two-week ban, meaning that he will miss Scotland's Six Nations game with Italy.

"I think it is a watershed moment in the law," Townsend told The Scotsman. "As a coach we need to make sure that we are coaching according to the law. So it will be interesting to see what happens with the appeal.

"I think there will have to be a clear statement on what the law is and what you are allowed to do when kicks are in the air. Right now we are in this grey area of who is the receiver and what rights does the person have when the ball is in the air and they are just looking at it, and it wasn't sufficient last week. But if there is intent they should be dealt with severely.

"So it's an important time for rugby to make sure we all understand the laws when the ball is in the air. Basically it just needs a clear distinction on what you can and can't do."

The Scottish Rugby Football Union is currently appealing the two-week ban handed to Russell.

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Calum Gillon
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Finn Russell breaks with the ball during the RBS Six Nations match between France and Scotland at Stade de France on February 7, 2015
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