Thomas is a Wales U21 player

Sale centre Lee Thomas has failed in his appeal against a 14-week ban from the Rugby Football Union for striking Bath fly-half Shaun Berne.

But the suspension, which was imposed after an incident in the game against Bath on 28 March, has been reduced to 10 weeks.

That means the 23-year-old's ban ends on 4 September and he is eligible to play for his team the following day.

Berne needed emergency dental work and lost three teeth in the incident.