Bath and England winger Anthony Watson handed two-week ban

England and Bath winger Anthony Watson has been suspended for two weeks as a result of being sent off during Bath's game against Saracens earlier this month.

Watson pleaded guilty to two charges of tackling Saracens fullback Alex Goode while in the air and then using "offensive, inappropriate and unprofessional language and behaviour towards the fourth official".

The 22-year-old has been given a one-week ban for each charge and will be unavailable for selection until April 25.

As a result, Watson will miss Bath's next two matches - both against Sale - but could return for their final fixtures of the Aviva Premiership season against Northampton and Leicester.

An RFU statement read: "Watson was charged with tackling the player in the air, contrary to law 10.4(i) and conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or the Game, contrary to RFU Rule 5.12.

"Watson pleaded guilty to both charges and was given a two-week suspension (one week for each charge). He is free to play again on 25 April."

Goode was sent sprawling after being clattered by Watson while catching a high ball, but the Bath wing had been partially blocked by Chris Ashton en route, resulting in a collision that might otherwise have been avoided.

"I know that Anthony isn't a malicious player and he certainly didn't do that on purpose, but I think we all know that running up without looking is dangerous," Goode said.

"It's a duty of care. If someone jumps in the air and they have their eyes on the ball, if you don't try to go for the ball then you have to make sure they land safely.

"You don't want to get to the point where players are fearful of going up in the air and can be taken out without any consequences.

"When you're going up in the air you only have eyes on the ball so there's an element of trust. Ninety-nine times out of 100 nothing happens."