Saints appeal Best's suspension
Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:30
Northampton Saints have appealed against the 18-week ban imposed on Neil Best, although the Irishman will still not be eligible for selection until the final determination of such.
The Ireland flank was charged at a Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary hearing earlier this week for illegally making contact with the eye or eye area of London Wasps' James Haskell with his hand (generally termed "eye-gouging") during their Guinness Premiership encounter on September 20.
Best was duly suspended from all rugby until January 28, 2009 - meaning he not only misses the next four months of European club rugby, but Ireland's November internationals against Canada, New Zealand and Argentina as well.
Saints club have however appealed against the sanctions imposed on September 30th, and will be heard by a RFU Appeal Panel on Monday October 6 at the London Bloomsbury Holiday Inn.
The panel will comprise chair Ian Mill QC (Blackstone Chambers), John Doubleday and Robert Horner.
northamptonsaints.co.uk
