Trio face RFU disciplinary panel

Tim Payne, Brett Deacon and Chris Budgen have been called to appear before an RFU disciplinary panel after being cited following incidents in last weekend's Aviva Premiership games.

Wasps prop Payne has been charged with stamping on an opponent during his side's defeat at Gloucester, with Cherry and Whites back-rower Deacon cited for striking Payne as tempers flared at Kingsholm. Exeter prop Budgen is accused of striking Harlequins full-back Mike Brown during the Chiefs defeat at the Twickenham Stoop.

The hearings will take place on Tuesday and will be chaired by Christopher Quinlan.

Leeds Carnegie have been dealt a blow with the news that prop Phil Swainston is facing a long spell on the sidelines with a serious wrist injury.

The 19-year-old suffered a suspected hairline fracture during the weekend's heavy defeat at Leicester, while number eight Alfie To'oala has undergone an operation on an adductor muscle problem and will be out for around two weeks. Director of rugby Andy Key said: "Unfortunately it looks like Phil has a hairline fracture. We will know more in the coming weeks but it looks like he will have a period of time on the sidelines.

"Alfie To'oala has had an operation to clear up the issue he has been having. We took the decision to get it sorted once and for all."

Key's side, who are bottom of the table, travel to face leaders London Irish on Saturday still looking for their first win of the Aviva Premiership season.