SARACENS utility back Nicky Little has been banned for 11 weeks by Rugby Football Union disciplinary chiefs.

The former Sale Sharks stand-off and Fiji international appeared before a three-man RFU panel in London.

Little was cited by London Irish officials for striking Exiles fly-half Ross Laidlaw during a Guinness A League game last week.

The suspension, which underlines the RFU's no-nonsense approach to indiscipline this season, will sideline Little until November 22.

Although he is currently on the first-team fringes at Saracens, his ability to cover more than one position and his prodigious goal-kicking makes him a valuable squad member.

Saracens have 14 days to decide whether to appeal against Little's ban. Tweet