Six Nations blow for Haskell
Haskell has been suspended for four weeks, following a disciplinary hearing in London on Wednesday.
The hearing arose from his club's Champions Cup, Round Five match against Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop.
Haskell was sent off by match referee, Romain Poite (France), for tackling the Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts dangerously in the 76th minute of the match – in contravention of Law 9.13.
Law 9.13 Dangerous tackling
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-Range: 6 weeks; Top End: 10 to 104 weeks.
The disciplinary committee – consisting of Jennifer Donovan (Ireland), Chair, Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Becky Essex (England) – heard evidence and submissions from Haskell, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from legal representative, Richard Smith , and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan. The Wasps Head of Recruitment, Kevin Harman, was also present.
The Committee upheld the red card decision and as the tackle made contact with the head of the opposing player, it was obliged to find that the offence was at the mid-range of World Rugby's sanctions and six weeks was therefore selected as the appropriate entry point.
Taking into account the player's good disciplinary record, his guilty plea and early expression of remorse, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by two weeks before imposing a suspension of four weeks.
Haskell is free to play on Monday, February 12.
Both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
He will miss Wasps' Round Six Champions Cup encounter with Ulster this Saturday, as well as England's Six Nations encounters with Italy and Wales.
It is uncertain if he will be able to work his way back into contention after that.
