Aviva Premiership
Rugby players hit out at Nathan Hughes ban
ESPN Staff
April 1, 2015
Nathan Hughes
Nathan Hughes© Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

Some of the Premiership's past and present players have hit out at the suspension handed to Nathan Hughes.

The Wasps No.8 was banned for three weeks after being dismissed in last Friday's Aviva Premiership game against Northampton for his collision with George North. Hughes' knee connected with North's head as the Saints player scored in the 34th minute in an incident which forced the winger off.

Hughes was cited for contravening Law 10.4 (a) which concerns the striking of another player with a knee and/or shin with the chairman in charge of the judgement Sir James Dingemans saying there was a "recklessness" about the Wasps No.8

The three-week suspension sees him ruled out until April 28 and Wasps captain James Haskell responded to the penalty on Twitter saying: "Astounded would be an understatement."

His team-mate Andy Goode tweeted: "Really can't believe or understand the ban for Nathan Hughes, firstly we all hope @George_North is ok but there was no intent and I feel the accident has been judged on outcome." And added: "Bizarre decision that seems out of touch."

Ex-England international Austin Healey tweeted: "Total joke that Nathan Hughes has been banned for 3 weeks "no intention found" = accident..Disciplinary panel should be ashamed @WaspsRugby"

While Matt Dawson posted: "Mmmmm..... Can't say I agree with 3 week ban for @WaspsRugby Nathan Hughes."

© ESPN Staff

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