Greg Bird & Taulima Tautai banned for four games; Maurice Blair suspended for two

Catalans star Greg Bird and Wigan front-rower Taulima Tautai have both been banned for four games over dangerous contact charges.

Bird appealed a Grade D dangerous contact charge that he picked up in the Dragons’ loss at Wigan two weeks ago.

However, the independent operational rules tribunal, consisting of Peter Charlesworth, Neil Turley and Jon Hamer, felt the previous grading was correct and that the four-match ban should stand.

Bird will now miss the Challenge Cup Final on August 25 when Catalans face Warrington Wolves at Wembley Stadium. The French club also forfeit a £500 appeal bond.

Warriors forward Tautai pleaded guilty to and was found guilty of a Grade D dangerous contact charge that he received in their win over Catalans. The 30-year-old will now serve a four-match ban and £500 fine.

Elsewhere, Hull Kingston Rovers back-rower Maurice Blair has pleaded guilty but challenged the grading of a Grade D other contrary behaviour charge that he picked up in their derby clash against Hull FC.

The 33-year-old was found guilty but the charge was downgraded to Grade C and he receives a two-game suspension and £500 fine.