No appeal for biter Ashton

The Saracens player was cited for allegedly biting Alex Waller of Northampton Saints on two separate occasions during the club's Premiership match last weekend. The first incident occurred in the 24th minute of the match and the second, one minute later.

Ashton contested both counts. However, the independent panel found the first charge proven but dismissed the second charge. The Saracens wing was given a 13-week ban. He is free to play again on December 19, 2016.

"The club has been fully supportive of Chris [Ashton] throughout this process and we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of his calibre for 13 weeks," said Saracens Director or Rugby Mark McCall .

"We put forward what we thought was a strong case for both charges to be dismissed but the decision to suspend Chris is one that we accept. No appeal will be lodged.

"We will continue to support Chris during his enforced time away from playing, and help prepare him for his return to action in December."