Northampton forward Neil Best was today handed an 18-week ban by Rugby Football Union disciplinary chiefs. The Ireland international cannot play again until 28 January next year.

Best admitted illegally making contact with the eye of Wasps and England back-row star James Haskell with his hand during a Guinness Premiership game last month.

Best will miss eight Premiership games, plus all of Northampton's European Challenge Cup and EDF Energy Cup pool matches.

Haskell gave evidence before the three-man panel, confirming his written statement that Best "gratuitously commenced to gouge at [his] eye with increasing intensity".

Haskell's eye became swollen, he said his vision became increasingly blurred and he suffered excruciating pain and felt sick.

Best and his club have until midday tomorrow to lodge any appeal with the RFU.