Nathan Hughes (Wasps Rugby) appeared before an RFU Disciplinary panel this evening, charged with striking with the knee and/or shin, contrary to Law 10.4(a), during Northampton Saints v Wasps RFC on Friday March 27 in the Aviva Premiership.
Hughes was found guilty of the charge and given a three-week ban*, starting today (March 31). He is free to play again on April 28.
Commenting on the judgement, Sir James Dingemans said “This was a three week ban on the basis that no intention was found.
“However, there was recklessness meaning that, notwithstanding the harm, it was a low entry point of four weeks with mitigation of one week to reflect his previous clean playing record.”
The Panel comprised Sir James Dingemans (Chair), Aidan O’Brien and Martyn Wood.
*To include three meaningful fixtures.
Sounds like “nothing that wrong, but we have to do something for the carelessness”. Kind of fair enough I suppose