Northampton Saints
Wasps to appeal Nathan Hughes ban
PA Sport
April 2, 2015
George North receives treatment on the pitch after being knocked out
George North receives treatment on the pitch after being knocked out© Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Wasps will appeal against the three-week ban issued to Nathan Hughes, but their protest will not enable the back row to play in Sunday's Champions Cup quarter-final against Toulon.

The club have said in a statement they will appeal on the grounds the incident that left Northampton wing George North unconscious and resulted in a red card for Hughes was an accident and no foul play had occurred.

With the hearing scheduled to be heard next Friday, it means Hughes cannot be reprieved in time to face the reigning European champions in Toulon this weekend.

Hughes was given the suspension - to include three meaningful fixtures - after being found guilty of striking North in the 52-30 Aviva Premiership defeat at Franklin's Gardens on March 27.

Commenting on the judgement made on Tuesday, 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.''

North, meanwhile, has been advised to take the rest of April off in order to recover from the head injury he suffered.

© PA Sport

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices