Worcester lock Cavubati banned nine weeks for biting

Worcester lock Tevita Cavubati has apologised after being banned for nine weeks for biting an opponent during Sunday's Aviva Premiership game at London Irish.

The 28-year-old Fiji international, who appeared before a Rugby Football Union disciplinary in Bristol on Tuesday evening, will be free to play again on April 12. He was also ordered to pay £500 towards hearing costs.

In a statement released by his club, Cavubati said: "I would like to apologise to all my team-mates, the coaches and supporters for the incident which occurred at the weekend.

"I was feeling suffocated while being held down. I was struggling to breathe and reacted in a way that I would never normally do.

"I sincerely apologise to Jebb Sinclair for this behaviour. It was uncharacteristic and this is not the type of player I am."

Warriors chief executive Jim O'Toole said: "This is a very unfortunate incident that does not reflect our approach to the game in any way and is not a behaviour that we condone.

"Tevita has paid a heavy price for his misdemeanour and has learnt his lesson."