British and Irish Lions: Kyle Sinckler could see lengthy ban for biting incident

Prop Kyle Sinckler could be facing a lengthy ban after he was cited for biting in the British and Irish Lions' second Test defeat by South Africa on Saturday.

The incident is alleged to have taken place during a ruck in the 64th minute of the 27-9 loss at Cape Town Stadium.

The England forward, who has a chequered disciplinary record, will be hit with a minimum 12-week ban if the citing is upheld by Tuesday’s disciplinary hearing.

Earlier on Sunday Lions full-back Stuart Hogg has forced to deny biting South Africa's Willie Le Roux during the game.

Hogg’s head made contact with the left arm of Le Roux when tempers flared in the second half.

Footage and stills of the incident have been circulated on social media, but the Scotland captain rejects claims that he bit his opposite number.

“Following speculation that has surfaced online, I would like to categorically deny any foul play in last night’s game,” Hogg said in a statement released by the Lions.

Biting is treated severely by rugby’s judiciary and carries a low-end punishment of a 12-week ban, rising to in excess of 24 weeks for serious offences. The maximum length of suspension is 208 weeks.

It is considered alongside testicle grabbing and eye-gouging in the length of sanction, with only physical abuse or threatening words or actions towards match officials considered graver offences.

Apart from the disciplinary fallout from the second Test of a series that has descended into a grudge match, Warren Gatland must pick his Lions up from their heaviest defeat since the disastrous 2005 tour to New Zealand.

The two sides will meet again for the series decider on Saturday 7 August - going in to the clash with a win apiece.