Nathan Hughes' disciplinary hearing outcome postponed

England international Nathan Hughes is certain to miss his club Wasps' European Champions Cup opener against Leinster this weekend after his initial disciplinary hearing on Wednesday was postponed.

The 27-year-old was charged by the citing commissioner for striking Lewis Ludlow in the final minute of the Gallagher Premiership game against Gloucester Rugby that was won by the Cherry and Whites 21-35.

Hughes appeared before a three-man independent disciplinary panel on Wednesday evening but the committee failed to come to a conclusion.

"The independent panel appointed to deal with this case will reconvene in not less than seven days in order to deal with an issue that arose during the evening," said panel chair Gareth Graham.

"No judgment will be issued by the panel in this period and the panel direct that the player, Wasps Rugby and the RFU are to make no further comment until the case has concluded.

"The player remains suspended until the conclusion of the matter."

If found guilty, Hughes will face a suspension of between two to 10 weeks that could put his participation in England's autumn international campaign in doubt.