James Haskell and Mathieu Bastareaud handed bans, to miss Six Nations games

James Haskell and Mathieu Bastareaud will miss the initial games of the upcoming Six Nations tournament for their respective countries following the bans handed to them after the completion of the latest round in the European Champions Cup.

Haskell, who was sent-off for a dangerous tackle on Jamie Roberts in the 75th minute of the game between Wasps and Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop has been suspended for four-week which means he will be unavailable for England's first two rounds of the Six Nations title defence against Italy and Wales.

Meanwhile, France international Bastareaud, who was representing his club Toulon appeared to call Italy forward Sebastian Negri a "f***ing f*****" in the last minute of the game which his side went on to win 36-0 and was cited for a 'direct homophobic abuse'.

His offence originally warranted a six-week ban which was reduced into half following his guilty plea.

France head coach Jacques Brunel has named Stade Francais centre Jonathan Danty as a cover for Bastareaud in the Six Nations squad.

Earlier, Bastareaud regretted his action on the field after being cited.

"Good evening everybody, I want to apologise to my response to the insults of the Italian Player. I reacted badly in responding to his provocation, I am sincerely sorry for the people I hurt," he wrote on his Twitter account.