Chris Ashton and Alexandru Tarus to attend disciplinary hearing

Sale Sharks duo Chris Ashton and Alexandru Tarus are set to appear before an independent disciplinary panel on Thursday following their red card incidents during the pre-season friendly against Castres.

Ashton was sent-off by referee Roman Poite at the start of the second half for a tip tackle on Rory Kockott and was cited for a breach of Law 9.18 that deals with "A player must not lift an opponent off the ground and drop or drive that player so that their head and/or upper body make contact with the ground".

If proved guilty, the England international will face a minimum suspension of six weeks.

Meanwhile, his Sale Sharks' team-mate Tarus was red-carded in the 73rd minute for a dangerous play in ruck that is in contrary to Law 9.20.

Both Ashton and Taurus will appear before a three-member panel chaired by Richard Whittam QC on Thursday in London.

Sale Sharks will begin the 2018/19 season of Gallagher Premiership with a clash against Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop on 1st September.