BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | English | Bath protest against Grewcock ban

Bath have lodged an appeal with the Rugby Football Union against the 35-day ban handed out to club captain Danny Grewcock.

England and Lions lock Grewcock was suspended earlier this week after being found guilty of kicking Saracens skipper Kyran Bracken during a Zurich Premiership game on 8 September.

But Bath issued a brief statement on Thursday, confirming they are to take the matter further.

"After careful consideration, we have decided that there are sufficient grounds to lodge an appeal against Danny Grewcock's recent conviction and sentence," said the club.

Grewcock's appeal will probably be held within the next fortnight.

Bracken needed stitches in a facial wound
He is free to continue playing until it takes place - and could conceivably line up for Bath against Northampton at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

The RFU must now appoint an appeal panel or independent arbitrator to hear Grewcock's official protest.

His existing five-week suspension could be upheld or reduced, but it might also be increased.

And if he emerges with a longer ban than he initially started with, it would severely jeopardise his chances of playing in England's autumn Test series opener against New Zealand on 9 November.

Grewcock has won 33 England caps, and started all three Lions Tests in Australia last summer.

He was appointed Bath captain last month, and received a red card in only his second Premiership game as club skipper.


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