Skip to content

Wasps forward Nathan Hughes given two-week ban for striking against Harlequins

COVENTRY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01, 2017:  Nathan Hughes of Wasps walks off the pitch after being injured during the Aviva Premiership match against Bath.
Image: Nathan Hughes has been handed a two-week suspension

England and Wasps No 8 Nathan Hughes has been handed a two-week suspension for striking during Sunday afternoon's Champions Cup win over Harlequins.

Hughes was cited for striking Harlequins fly half Marcus Smith midway through the first half of Wasps' 41-10 win at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, will return from suspension on November 6 - five days before England's opening autumn international against Argentina.

European Professional Club Rugby said in a statement: "The Committee upheld the citing complaint and determined that the strike to the neck warranted a red card.

England's Nathan Hughes during the Captain's Run at Twickenham
Image: Hughes will return from suspension in time for England's autumn internationals

"The Committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point.

"There were no aggravating factors, however, as the player did not plead guilty, the Committee was not able to reduce the sanction by the maximum allowable of 50 per cent, and a suspension of two weeks was imposed.

Also See:

"Hughes is free to play on Monday, 6 November and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision."

Around Sky