Three week ban for Howard

Northampton scrum-half Johnny Howard has been banned for three weeks after he admitted stamping on an opponent.

Howard was cited following the incident during Northampton’s 25-23 Guinness Premiership victory over Newcastle eight days ago.

He appeared before a three-man Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel in London, who imposed a suspension that will sideline him until September 25.

Howard, who had already received a two-week suspension from his club, will miss Premiership appointments with Bath and Gloucester before he is able to play again.