Titterrell banned for Sale

Sale Sharks’ Heineken Cup hopes have been dealt a blow by a six-week ban imposed on their promising hooker Andy Titterrell.

Titterrell, who played for England in last month’s non-cap World Cup celebration match against the New Zealand Barbarians at Twickenham, will be out of action until February 29.

He was suspended by Heineken Cup disciplinary chiefs after being cited for stamping on the head of a Leinster player during Sharks’ 23-22 Pool Three victory over the Irish team a week ago.

The 22-year-old – rated as one of England’s brightest front-row prospects - will miss Sale’s remaining Heineken Cup group matches against Leinster, Biarritz and Cardiff Blues.

On top of that he is set to sit out three Zurich Premiership games and the Powergen Cup quarter-final against Saracens next month.

Titterrell was not expected to challenge senior England hookers Steve Thompson, Mark Regan and Dorian West during the RBS 6 Nations Championship – but he is now definitely out of contention for opening the games against Italy and Scotland.

Leinster’s Ben Gissing was also cited for alleged stamping, but the disciplinary committee ruled there was no case to answer.