Three-week ban for Hobson

BRISTOL prop Jason Hobson has received a three-week ban for the punch that ended England captain Phil Vickery’s RBS 6 Nations season.

Former England U-21 international Hobson was cited following the incident in a Guinness Premiership game between Bristol and Wasps at Adams Park nine days ago.

Vickery suffered concussion as a result, which ruled him out of the 26-18 victory over France last weekend in addition to this Saturday’s Six Nations finale against Wales in Cardiff.

Hobson had already received a two-week suspension from his club following an internal disciplinary hearing.

But a complaint was lodged against him by the independent citing commissioner, and he appeared before a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel in London yesterday.

Hobson’s ban will rule him out of action until March 26.

London Irish full-back Delon Armitage has received a one-week ban after being sent off for striking an opponent during last Saturday’s Guinness Premiership victory over Bristol.

Armitage, who appeared before a three-man RFU panel, will miss Irish’s home Premiership clash against Wasps on Sunday.

Bath last night completed the signing of Wasps lock Martin Purdy on a one-year deal. He will join Bath at the end of this season.