Richie Rees and Dave Attwood handed bans affecting Six Nations

And Gloucester lock Dave Attwood has been ruled out of England's opening two Six Nations games against Wales and Italy next month due to a nine-week suspension. Both players were cited for foul play after Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup matches just before Christmas.

Cardiff Blues player Rees was reported for making contact with the eyes of Northampton's England hooker Dylan Hartley during a Heineken pool clash between the teams and Attwood faced a complaint that he stamped on La Rochelle prop Petrisor Toderasc in a Challenge Cup clash at Kingsholm.

Both players have the right of appeal, but nine times-capped Rees is currently sidelined until 31 March, while Attwood is out until 21 February.

Rees, 27, is Wales' current scrum-half bench cover for Mike Phillips and would have been an important part of head coach Warren Gatland's Six Nations plans.

Meanwhile, Wales full-back Lee Byrne is on course to return from injury well ahead of the Six Nations. The Ospreys player suffered a fractured thumb in Wales' defeat to New Zealand in Cardiff on 27 November but is due to have the plaster removed this week. The Ospreys hope he will be ready to face Heineken Cup opponents London Irish in ten days' time. Wales launch their Six Nations campaign at home against England on 4 February, when they should also have Lions trio Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams and Leigh Halfpenny available after injuries.