Double-ban blow for Bath

Bath’s Heineken Cup preparations have been dealt a double blow after centre Andrew Higgins and prop David Barnes were banned by disciplinary chiefs.

Both players have received two-week suspensions, ruling them out of the Heineken Cup clashes against Leinster and Bourgoin.

The only crumb of comfort for Bath rugby director John Connolly is that the pair will not miss November’s Premiership programme, much of which coincides with England’s autumn Test schedule, when Bath are likely to be weakened by losing the likes of Danny Grewcock, Matt Stevens and Lee Mears.

Higgins and Barnes will be able to resume playing on November 1.

Higgins was sent off during Bath’s 18-16 Guinness Premiership victory over Gloucester last Saturday after receiving two yellow cards, the second for tripping England centre Mike Tindall.

Barnes, meanwhile, was cited for striking an opponent when Bath beat Powergen Cup opponents the Ospreys nine days ago.