Leicester's Seru Rabeni was tonight banned for nine weeks after admitting playing in three sevens tournaments while serving a 14-week suspension.

The Fijian defied the ban he earned for gouging the eye of Saracens hooker Andy Kyriacou in a Guinness Premiership game in March.

As a result, Rabeni was prohibited from playing from April 1 to July 7.

His additional suspension was handed out by Rugby Football Union Disciplinary Panel chaired by Christopher Quinlan in Bristol.

The new ban will begin on August 15, and Rabeni will be eligible to return on October 17.

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