Cudmore banned for Munster clash

Clermont Auvergne's Jamie Cudmore won't be able to line out against Munster in the Heineken Cup this weekend after being given a four-week ban for punching.

At a hearing in Dublin yesterday, the flanker was found guilty of striking Tim Payne of Wasps when the two sides met last month.

Cudmore's suspension runs from December 24, though he still has the right to appeal.