Rabeni slapped with ban

Leicester centre Seru Rabeni has received a three-week ban after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Newcastle and England centre Jamie Noon.

Leicester centre Seru Rabeni has received a three-week ban after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Newcastle and England centre Jamie Noon.

Rabeni, a member of Fiji's successful World Cup squad last year, cannot play again until February 28.

It means he will miss Leicester's next three Guinness Premiership games against leaders Gloucester on Saturday, followed by London Irish and Sale Sharks.

Rabeni appeared before a Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary panel and admitted dangerously tackling Noon during Tigers' 41-14 Premiership victory over Newcastle at Welford Road eleven days ago.

Andy Goode has avoided a ban after he was cited for a dangerous tackle on England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson in the same game.

Goode received a yellow card, which the panel deemed was sufficient punishment. He is free to continue playing.