Hughes punch rocks England

Ban for No8 to KO Eddie’s plan

ENGLAND are facing a crisis at No 8 with Nathan Hughes expected to be banned for all four autumn internationals after being accused of punching an opponent.

His exclusion would leave head coach Eddie Jones with no experienced back-up for Billy Vunipola for a crucial month of fixtures.

Hughes, 27, was cited last night for striking Gloucester flanker Lewis Ludlow, who himself faces disciplinary action for a stamping offence.

Footage released by the RFU shows Hughes carrying the ball into Ludlow and Billy Twelvetrees in the 80th minute of saturday’s match, which Wasps lost 35-21. He then appears to swing a right hook at Ludlow, punching him on the temple as he is held on the floor by his opponent. Any contact to the head is classed as a ‘midrange’ offence, with bans starting at six weeks.

Hughes faces a disciplinary panel tomorrow and, if suspended, will probably miss England’s Tests against south Africa, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

Exeter’s sam simmonds, the only other player used by England at No 8 recently, has ruptured the cruciate ligament in a knee and is out for at least six months.

Wasps’ new signing Brad shields often appeared at No 8 in New Zealand, but has never played there at Test level. Bath’s 21-year- old Zach Mercer is an uncapped option. Wasps will be concerned, too. They open the Heineken Champions Cup against holders Leinster on Friday and are already up against it.

scrum-half Dan Robson is out and could miss England’s autumn games. He left the Ricoh Arena in a protective boot on saturday after hurting an ankle and will see a specialist tomorrow.

Captain Joe Launchbury hopes to return from knee trouble that has kept him out for three weeks.

Meanwhile, Marland Yarde’s season could be over. It is feared the sale wing has torn ligaments around his knee as well as dislocating it on saturday.