Ashton handed four-week ban

Northampton wing Chris Ashton tonight received a four-week ban for dragging Leicester’s Alesana Tuilagi off the pitch by his hair.

Ashton was cited for “an act contrary to good sportsmanship” for the incident, which occurred in the first half of Northampton’s 30-25 defeat at Welford Road and sparked a touchline brawl.

Tuilagi and Saints flanker Tom Wood were both subsequently sent off and were due to face disciplinary hearings in London tonight.

Ashton will miss Northampton’s back-to-back Heineken Cup fixtures against Castres and two Aviva Premiership games over the festive period.

The England wing will be available again in time for Northampton’s Premiership game against Harlequins on January 6.

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 full-back Alex Goode.