Brawl pair each handed one-week ban

Moseley's Gary Trueman and Coventry's Danny Hodge last night escaped from a Rugby Football Union disciplinary committee with what amounted to a slapped wrist for their part in the fight that marred their recent local derby. Both pleaded guilty to striking an opponent and were each banned for a week after being red-carded during Moseley's 22-20 victory.

But, following a statement by the Butts Park outfit, the governing body are now looking into the build-up to the fracas at Billesley Common and there could be further charges in relation to an alleged biting incident involving Mose No 8 James Rodwell. For Trueman and Hodge, though, the ruling represents almost a complete reprieve. Although both players were fined about £200, the fact that neither club is playing this weekend means they will not miss a single game.

"On the balance of the incident, it is about right," Coventry's acting head coach Dave Addleton said.

Moseley director of rugby John Beale added: "Gary was not the instigator there were other people involved but he did swing, so we are satisfied with the outcome."

Not such good news for Coventry is the fact that threequarters Logon Kirisome and Ben Toft are likely to be out for the season.

Kirisome broke his thumb in Saturday's win over Plymouth and will be out for at least two months while Toft damaged knee ligaments and will have a scan later this week. Stuart Friswell also requires surgery for a knee problem and could be out for the remainder of the campaign.

* Moseley loan player Charlie Sharples has been called into the England Under 20 squad to face France on Friday. Gregor Gillanders, on loan to Cov from Leicester, has also been added.