Flanker ruled out until January

Northampton forward Neil Best has picked up an 18-week suspension after pleading guilty to a charge of eye-gouging. The former Ulster flanker was cited for an incident involving Wasps’ James Haskell in a match on 20 September.

The 29-year-old is banned until 28 January, and will miss all three of Ireland’s internationals in November as well as his club side’s 17 matches during that period.

“In the light of the detail of the judgement, the club and player are in the process of seeking legal advice and will make a further statement during the course of today (Wednesday),” read a statement from Northampton. Best has until tomorrow to lodge an appeal.