Nathan Hughes cops two-week ban

England and Wasps number eight Nathan Hughes has been banned for two weeks for striking in Wasps' Champions Cup victory over Harlequins on Saturday.

Hughes will return on November 6, five days before England's first Test against Argentina before facing Australia (18 November) and Samoa (25 November).

Dylan Hartley had earlier been cleared to play but Joe Marler was not so fortunate, receiving a three-week ban which will see the Harlequins prop miss the Argentina and Australia clashes.

European Professional Club Rugby said in a statement: 

"The Wasps No 8, Nathan Hughes, has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from his club's Champions Cup, Round 2 match against Harlequins at the Ricoh Arena.

"Hughes was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Murray Whyte (Ireland), for striking the Harlequins fly half, Marcus Smith (No 10), in the 29th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).

"Law 10.4 (a) Striking with a hand, arm or fist

Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (a), striking with a hand, arm or fist, carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 4 weeks; Top end: 8 to 52 weeks.

"There were no aggravating factors, however, as the player did not plead guilty, the Committee was not able to reduce the sanction by the maximum allowable of 50 per cent, and a suspension of two weeks was imposed.

"Hughes is free to play on Monday, 6 November and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision."