Grewcock ban adds to Bath woes

(GETTY IMAGES)

Bath's troubled season suffered another blow yesterday when Danny Grewcock was banned for seven weeks.

Grewcock, 37, was sent off for stamping on the arm of Ulster and Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris during last weekend's Heineken Cup clash.

Unless he launches a successful appeal, Grewcock will miss six Bath games, including four in the Guinness Premiership club's battle against relegation.

His suspension was increased from five weeks to seven because of his long disciplinary record.

Grewcock was sent off playing for England in New Zealand in 1998 and he was given a six-week suspension for punching in 2007 that cost him a place in England's Rugby World Cup squad.

Earlier in the day, London Irish number eight Chris Hala'ufia was banned for four weeks after pleading guilty to striking Leinster captain Leo Cullen.

Hala'ufia, the Tongan international, was cited following last Saturday's 11-11 draw at Twickenham, a result which ended the Exiles' Heineken Cup campaign.

The independent judicial officer Jean-Noel Couraud took into account Hala'ufia's admission of guilt before banning him until February 25.