Rugby
Rugby star gets 32 weeks ban
2012-03-30 07:54
London - Northampton flank Calum Clark was banned for 32 weeks on Thursday after pleading guilty to hyperextending the right arm of an opponent.
The 22-year-old was cited after Leicester hooker Rob Hawkins had his elbow broken in the incident during Northampton's Anglo-Welsh Cup final defeat. He was then suspended indefinitely by his club.
Clark, a member of England's elite squad member and who was Saints' captain in the game, will be suspended until November 1, the Rugby Football Union said.
He was reported for an act contrary to good sportsmanship while Hawkins required surgery, sidelining him for the rest of this season.
"Calum Clark of Northampton Saints was this evening suspended for 32 weeks for an act contrary to good sportsmanship - Law 10(4) (M)," said a RFU statement.
"Clark pleaded guilty to hyperextending the right arm of Leicester Tigers' Rob Hawkins during the LV= Cup final at Sixways on March 18.
"The suspension will run from March 22 to the November 1. He is free to play again on November 2 2012. Clark is ordered to pay hearing costs of 500."
Clark is the second Northampton forward to receive a lengthy ban this week after England hooker Dylan Hartley landed an eight-week suspension for biting Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris' finger during a 6 Nations game on March 17.