Haskell praying reduced ban can save his 6 Nations

JAMES HASKELL will discover whether he is banned for the NatWest 6 Nations the day before Eddie Jones announces his England squad. The Wasps flanker, 32, was sent off against Harlequins on Saturday for a dangerous tackle on Jamie Roberts, which saw the Welsh centre sustain a head injury. Haskell (right) has now been cited and will face a disciplinary panel tomorrow. If guilty of a strike to the head he could face a six-week ban, which may be reduced by the committee due to his good disciplinary record. He has since apologised on social media. England name their Six Nations squad on Thursday morning. French centre Mathieu Bastareaud will also learn of his fate after he was cited for appearing to call Benetton flanker Sebastian Negri a ‘f****** f****t’ in Toulon’s win over the Italian side. Bans start at six weeks for verbal abuse. The Scarlets have entered the race to sign George North. The Welsh wing, currently at Northampton, will return home next season and the Llanelli club have first refusal. Boss Wayne Pivac said: ‘I caught up with George last week and I had about 45 minutes with him. ‘Anyone who plays the game at that level and with the way we play the game, as an outside back, who wouldn’t want to be here?’ Wasps have confirmed the signing of All Black Lima Sopoaga, who will join next season. That could mean an exit for Danny Cipriani, who may move to France. ‘There are a couple of options in the Premiership, there’s a chance to stay at Wasps and there’s a great opportunity to go to France,’ he told The Guardian. ‘A French club has talked with my agent but nothing has been decided.’ Bath and England wing Semesa Rokoduguni requires shoulder surgery and will miss the Six Nations. He faces up to four months out so Bath may sign Tongan Cooper Vuna as cover.