Panel delays decision over Hughes punch case

The availability of Nathan Hughes for England’s autumn internationals remains in doubt after a disciplinary panel surprisingly failed to make a judgment on whether the Wasps No8 had been guilty of punching an opponent.

The disciplinary hearing, held in Coventry last night, lasted for over four hours before the panel released a statement saying that it would not be able to make a decision until it had “dealt with an issue” that had arisen.

Hughes had been cited on Monday for striking Gloucester flanker Lewis Ludlow during the Premiership match last weekend.

Hughes could face a suspension with a starting point of six weeks if found guilty, which would rule him out of England’s Tests against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia. He remains banned until the hearing reconvenes.

Gareth Graham, who chaired the independent panel that included Matthew Weaver and Martyn Wood, said: “The panel will reconvene in not less than seven days in order to deal with an issue that arose during the evening. No judgment will be issued by the panel in this period and the panel direct that the player, Wasps Rugby and the RFU are to make no further comment until the case has concluded. The player remains suspended until the conclusion of the matter.”

Meanwhile, Conor Murray signed a three-year extension to his Munster and Ireland contract

The British and Irish Lions scrum-half, has turned down a number of lucrative offers overseas and will instead remain in Ireland until at least 2022.

Ireland’s performance director David Nucifora lauded Murray as “genuinely world-class”.

“He has illustrated this through the consistent quality of the performances he delivers for both Ireland and Munster,” said Nucifora.

“He has played a central role in driving the success that has been achieved at national level and we are delighted that he will continue to play his rugby in Ireland for at least the next three seasons.”

Murray, currently sidelined with a neck injury, said: “Over the past few seasons I’ve enjoyed great days in the green of Ireland and the red of my home province Munster. I look forward to making more lifelong memories.”

Bath have secured the services of England wing Semesa Rokoduguni after he signed a contract extension.