Haskell’s ban sees him miss two matches

Wasps flanker James Haskell will be unavailable for England’s first two Natwest Six Nations games after receiving a four-week ban.

Haskell, who has won 75 caps, was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts during Wasps’ European Champions Cup defeat last Sunday and is now sidelined until 12 February.

Tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby convened a disciplinary hearing in London yesterday and announced a four-week suspension for the 32-year-old. England face Italy on 4 February and Wales six days later.

England head coach Eddie Jones is due to announce his Six Nations squad today, with Haskell among the candidates to make that group.

Haskell was dismissed by French referee Romain Poite following the 76th-minute incident at Twickenham Stoop. Roberts left the pitch with an apology from Haskell that the Wasps star later repeated on Twitter.