Richard Barrington & Brad Barritt Disciplinary Hearing

The charges against Sarcens' Richard Barrington for dangerous charging, and team-mate Brad Barritt for dangerous tackling were heard in London last night.

The case against Barrington was dismissed and is free to play again with immediate effect. Barritt pleaded guilty and was given a three-week suspension. He is free to play again on Tuesday 31st January.

The RFU Disciplinary panel said: "Following very careful analysis, the panel found that Mr Barrington had not committed the act of foul play alleged. The incident arose out of the specific dynamic of Mr Parling falling unconscious into what would have otherwise been a legitimate contact by Mr Barrington.

"In line with the new sanctions a mid-range entry of six weeks was imposed on Mr Barritt reduced to three weeks in light of mitigation including his guilty plea."

Barrington was sent off by referee Ian Tempest in the weekend's Aviva Premiership match between Saracens and Exeter Chiefs for making contact with the head of Geoff Parling of Exeter Chiefs.

In the same incident, Brad Barritt tackled Geoff Parling dangerously, making contact with his head and was subsequently cited by the citing commissioner.