England's Watson gets two-game ban

England Grand Slam-winning wing Anthony Watson was banned for two games by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel on Tuesday for tackling a player in the air and then verbally abusing an official after he was sent off.

Watson received a red card for taking out Alex Goode while his England colleague was airborne during Bath's 30-10 Premiership defeat at home to Saracens on April 1.

He was then involved in a verbal exchange with the fourth official as he crossed the touchline that caught the eye of disciplinary chiefs.

Watson pleaded guilty to both tackling Goode in the air and using "offensive, inappropriate and unprofessional language and behaviour towards the fourth official" at Tuesday's hearing.

He was given a two-week suspension, one week for each charge, and is free to play again on April 25.

That means Watson will miss Bath's next two matches, both against Sale, but could return for the west country club's final fixtures of the regular Premiership season against Northampton and Leicester.

A Rugby Football Union statement said: "Watson was charged with tackling the player in the air, contrary to law 10.4(i) and conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or the Game, contrary to RFU Rule 5.12.

"Watson pleaded guilty to both charges and was given a two-week suspension (one week for each charge). He is free to play again on 25 April."
Source: AFP