Amlin Challenge Cup
Ma'afu banned for Challenge Cup final
ESPN Staff
May 21, 2014
Northampton's Salesi Ma'afu lands a left-hook on Leicester's Tom Youngs © Getty Images
Enlarge

Northampton will be without Salesi Ma'afu for Friday's Amlin Challenge Cup final after the prop was handed a one-week ban for punching Leicester's Tom Youngs during the Aviva Premiership semi-final.

But the news is not all bad for the Saints as Ma'afu will be free to play in the Aviva Premiership final against Saracens on May 31.

Ma'afu was sent off in Northampton's fiery 21-20 win over rivals Leicester on Friday after striking England hooker Tom Youngs with a flurry of punches. As well as receiving a one-week ban, the Australian was also ordered to pay £500 in costs.

Northampton face Bath at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday in the last ever Amlin Challenge Cup before it is replaced in the new European cup structure to be introduced next season.

Leicester fly-half Owen Williams could yet face punishment for making contact with the eyes or eye area of Northampton's Luther Burrell in the same match. However he must wait to discover his fate after his hearing was adjourned.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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