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Haskell ban extended

James Haskell

England forward James Haskell has had a suspension for punching increased by Super 15 disciplinary chiefs.

Haskell, who has been named in the England squad for next month's South African tour, initially received a three-week ban on May 1 for punching Justin Downey during a Super 15 game between Haskell's Highlanders and South African side the Cheetahs.

Haskell claimed to have had a previously spotless disciplinary record, and judicial officer Mike Heron took that into account while also considering his guilty plea. Heron, though, subsequently learnt that Haskell received a one-week ban in 2008 following a Premiership fixture between his former club Wasps and Worcester, and increased the latest suspension by seven days.

Haskell, who will rejoin Wasps next season and has apologised for his oversight, is still available for the South Africa tour.