Wales prop Tomas Francis cited for alleged contact with eye area

By Andy Charles

Image: Wales's prop Tomas Francis could face a lengthy ban

Wales prop Tomas Francis has been cited for allegedly making contact with the eyes or eye area of England's Dan Cole in Saturday's Six Nations clash.

The Exeter forward appeared to make contact with the eye of the England tighthead late in the game and match citing commissioner John Cole has cited him under Law 10.4 (m) - acts contrary to good sportsmanship.

If Francis is found guilty at the disciplinary hearing,  which will be held this week, be could be looking at a lengthy ban - possibly 12 weeks or more.

Saracens' England wing Chris Ashton received a 10-week suspension in January for making contact with the eye area of Ulster back Luke Marshall during a European Champions Cup game.

Speaking immediately after the Twickenham clash, England head coach Eddie Jones said: "I never comment on referee's decisions, especially when we have won a game of rugby. But if it was a finger put in the eye, then that should be adjudicated."

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Wales head coach Warren Gatland said his initial reaction was he didn't think "it looked great".

Image: Dan Cole was on the receiving end of the alleged infringement by Francis

Match referee Craig Joubert opted against carding Francis, and the citing commissioner must now decide whether he feels the incident was worthy of a red card or not.

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Any lengthy period of suspension for 11 times-capped Francis could see him miss the rest of this season.

Exeter are currently strong contenders for a place in the Aviva Premiership play-offs, while they face a Champions Cup quarter-final against Wasps early next month.

Image: James Haskell (middle) was warned for a dangerous tackle

England flanker James Haskell received a citing commissioner warning for a dangerous 'neck roll' tackle in the 16th minute of the same game.

And Wales U20 back-rower Harrison Keddie has been cited for a dangerous tackle during the Six Nations U20 clash with England at Ashton Gate in Bristol on Friday.

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