Delon Armitage back in hot water over 'punch'

The London Irish full-back missed this season's entire RBS 6 Nations Championship after receiving an eight-week ban for pushing an anti-doping officer and using threatening and/or abusive language during a test following the Exiles' Aviva Premiership game against Bath on 1 January.

Armitage, capped 19 times, has now been cited for striking Northampton fly-half Stephen Myler during a Premiership match between the clubs last weekend. He faces an RFU disciplinary hearing next Tuesday, when any suspension could potentially sideline him for England's appointment with the Barbarians on 29 May and the England Saxons' Churchill Cup campaign in June.

Armitage has been reported by independent citing officer Alan Mansell for striking Myler with his hand. He will now face a three-man RFU panel in London. If the charge is proved, then Armitage's recent suspension looks certain to be taken into account. He appealed the ban imposed on him earlier this year, but it was thrown out.

At the time, RFU disciplinary officer Judge Jeff Blackett said: "His behaviour was completely unacceptable. It brought discredit on himself and his club, and failed to uphold one of the core values of the game - respect.

"Doping control officers should expect to carry out their important work without fear of abuse, and be treated with respect at all times."

Ben Foden has established himself as England's number one full-back this season, but Armitage's ability to play 15, centre or on the wing makes him a potentially valuable option for England boss Martin Johnson when he considers his World Cup squad this summer. The cut-off date for naming World Cup squads is 22 August, while the tournament starts in Auckland on 9 September when New Zealand tackle Tonga.