Thursday 2 April 2015 20:42, UK
Wasps are to appeal against the three-week ban handed to forward Nathan Hughes at an RFU disciplinary hearing on Tuesday evening.
Hughes was suspended after being found guilty of striking George North in Wasps’ 52-30 defeat to Northampton Saints in their Aviva Premiership clash at Franklin’s Gardens last Friday.
A concussed North was carried off on a stretcher after the collision with Hughes, who was sent off after catching the Welsh winger with a knee to the head.
However, Wasps are appealing on the grounds that it was an accident and no foul play occurred.
The hearing will not take place until next Friday, though, meaning Hughes will not be able to play in Sunday's European Champions Cup quarter-final against Toulon.
Commenting on the judgement made on Tuesday night, disciplinary officer 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."
