Rugby briefs: Diarra ban | Cruickshank try of the month

Diarra was found to be in contravention of Law 10.4(b) at a hearing in Dublin yesterday after clashing with Low in the second half of Castres’ 10-8 Heineken Cup win on Saturday, European Rugby Cup announced. The offence was deemed to be at the high-end entry point suspension of nine weeks but, due to a a clean disciplinary record, Diarra had seven days deducted.

The Frenchman will therefore be eligible to return on 11 February next year, although Diarra still has the right to appeal yesterday’s outcome.

Cruickshank wins touchdown award

The latest RBS Try of the Month winner had a welcome surprise on returning this week from India, where he had been representing Scotland in the Kabaddi World Cup.

Peebles full-back/wing, Martin Cruickshank, 21, helped the Borders club pick up the award for the second time in as many months after finishing off a flowing move when he burst through to touch down against Hawick at Mansfield Park.

He said: “I’m really surprised to have won the award but also very happy. “We have played some good rugby this season and a lot of players have scored some great tries, we’re really fortunate to have caught two award winners on camera.

“We got relegated last year but it is good that the club is on the up again and long may it continue.”