The Northampton and Ireland flanker Neil Best last night lost his appeal against an 18-week ban imposed after he admitted making contact with the eye of the Wasps' back rower James Haskell with his hand in the Premiership match against Wasps last month.

Best, 29, who will not be free to play again until January 28, appeared before a disciplinary panel after being cited. He pleaded guilty and his argument that contact was accidental was accepted, but it was decided his offence was at the top end of the intention scale because he did not immediately withdraw contact when he realised what he had done.

Worcester's Chris Horsman has been cited for kicking Mike Ross in Harlequins' 30-23 win at Sixways last week. The Wales prop will appear at a disciplinary panel in Bristol on Thursday.