Two-week bans for Ayerza & Marler

Leicester prop Marcos Ayerza locks horns with Harlequins counterpart Joe Marler in a brawl that saw both players sent off

Leicester’s Marcos Ayerza and Harlequins’ Joe Marler have been banned for two weeks for fighting in Saturday’s Premiership clash.

The Rugby Football Union punishment means both props will miss crucial European fixtures this weekend.

Argentina international Ayerza is ruled out of Saturday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster.

Marler, an England Saxon, will not be available for Quins’ Challenge Cup game against Wasps on Friday.

Both players will be able to feature again on 19 April.

The incident happened after 64 minutes when Ayerza appeared to headbutt Marler, who retaliated by punching his opponent.

Sale’s Neil Biggs, who also appeared at the RFU hearing, will receive no further punishment for his two yellow cards against Northampton.