Leicester Tigers hooker Tom Youngs has been suspended for four weeks by the Rugby Football Union for punching Wasps forward Will Rowlands on Saturday.
The incident involving the 33-year-old ex-England forward happened in the 53rd minute of Saturday’s 18-9 Premiership win at Welford Road.
Youngs accepted the charge and cannot play again until after 24 March.
The punishment could have ranged from a two-week suspension to as much as a 10-week ban if deemed more serious.
Youngs will miss Tigers’ upcoming Premiership games against Sale on Friday, Worcester on 29 February, Saracens on 7 March and Exeter on 21 March.
Leicester are 11th in the Premiership, 10 points off the top four with 10 matches played this term.
His next eligible fixture will be on Friday, 27 March against Bath.
“The player may have been reacting to an unintended contact with his body but the reaction was nevertheless uncalled for,” the independent disciplinary panel’s chair Jeremy Summers said.
“The player accepted that it was one which let down the game.
“He has two previous matters on record from 2016 and 2019 – as such he was not eligible to receive full mitigation.
“A suspension of four weeks was therefore imposed. The dates of suspension take in to account a free weekend for Leicester Tigers on the 14-15 March.”
Article courtesy of BBC Sport
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