Thursday 4 February 2016 09:07, UK
Chris Ashton's appeal against his 10-week suspension has been adjourned until Thursday.
The Saracens winger was cited last month and found guilty of making contact with the eye area of Luke Marshall in the Champions Cup clash against Ulster on January 16.
England international Ashton lodged an appeal within the three-day time limit of the decision on January 21, and his appeal was heard in London on Wednesday.
Submissions were made by Saracens' legal representative Chris Smith, while the independent appeal committee, made up of chairman Lorne Crerar, Rod McKenzie and Roger Morris, also heard submissions on behalf of the European Professional Rugby Club (EPRC) disciplinary officer Liam McTiernan.
An EPRC statement issued on Wednesday confirmed: "The hearing was adjourned and the appeal committee expects to announce its decision tomorrow (February 4)."
Ashton will not be able to play again until Monday March 28 if the decision is upheld, meaning he will miss England's Six Nations campaign, which finishes on March 19 with an away game against France.
The former rugby league star was recalled to the England Elite Player Squad in January by new head coach Eddie Jones after an 18-month absence.
And the Australian told Sky Sports News HQ of Ashton's suspension: "I'm disappointed for him but there's the potential of an appeal so we'll have to wait and see what they do before we make a final decision."
