Rugby: England winger Chris Ashton has been banned for four weeks for his clash with Alesana Tuliagi during last weekend's Aviva Premiership match between Leicester and Northampton.

The Saints star prompted a mass braul after hauling Tuilagi into touch by the Leicester man's hair.

He has been found guilty by an RFU disciplinary panel of an act 'contrary to good sportsmanship' and will not be free to play again until January 4th, meaning he will miss Northampton's two crucial Heineken Cup matches against Castres Olympique over the next two weekends, as well as two Aviva Premiership games over the festive period.

Northampton forward Phil Dowson will also be sidelined for the two weekends of European action after he was suspended for a dangerous tackle on Saracens fullback Alex Goode.