Players outraged by Hughes suspension

Editor

A number of Premiership players have expressed their disagreement at Nathan Hughes' three-game ban on social media.

Hughes was sent off last Friday after his knee/shin collided with the head of George North, knocking out the Wales star as he suffered another concussion.

The Wasps number eight was handed a three-match suspension on Tuesday following an RFU hearing.

Judged by an RFU disciplinary panel to be reckless rather than intentional, Hughes is now unable to play until April 28 despite the incident being viewed by many as an accident.

James Haskell perhaps reacted strongest, defending his back row colleague by suggesting rugby should be played wearing protective bubbles.

Wasps team-mate Andy Goode, England prop Joe Marler and London Irish's Dan Leo also posted their thoughts.

Joe Marler: "Absolute joke."

Andy Goode: "Really can't believe or understand the ban for Nathan Hughes, firstly we all hope @George_North is ok but there was no intent and I feel the accident has been judged on outcome."

Dan Leo: "The RFU disciplinary commission needs a total revamp. 3 weeks for Nathan Hughes is atrocious. Oh wait…He's a Pacific Islander."