Howard cited

Northampton scrum-half Johnny Howard has been cited for allegedly stamping on an opponent during last weekend’s Guinness Premiership clash against Newcastle.

Howard is already serving a two-week suspension imposed by his club following the incident.

But the 25-year-old is now in trouble with the Rugby Football Union after a report by independent citing officer Peter Colston.

Howard’s club ban means he will miss Premiership games against Sale Sharks and Bath, plus Guinness A League appointments with Leeds and Sale Sharks.

He will appear before an RFU disciplinary panel in London next Tuesday, and he now faces a longer period of suspension if found guilty.