THE Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has suspended Biggar forward David McKendrick for 19 months for his part in disturbances that marred his side's 14-6 Tennents Cup victory over Ayr in February.

The second row was sent off, along with Ayr's Kenny Nicol, by international panel referee Chuck Muir.

McKendrick had been involved in an off the ball incident earlier in the match, which saw Ayr captain Jim Lymburn carried off with a serious head injury that required hospital treatment.

That incident was not witnessed by the referee, but the SRU's discipline panel ruled that McKendrick be suspended until October 18th, 1997.

The union's discipline secretary, Iain Goodall, said: "The SRU is determined to maintain the highest standards of fair play.