The ban means Thomas will be out of action until 17 October

Sale Sharks centre Lee Thomas has been found guilty of striking Bath fly-half Shaun Berne and banned for 14 weeks by the Rugby Football Union.

The RFU disciplinary panel ruled on the incident, which happened during Sale's home win over Bath on 28 March.

Australian Berne left the field with three teeth missing and required emergency dental work.

Thomas can appeal against the ban, which rules him out until 3 June and when the new season starts in August.