Back suspended for four weeks, will miss tour openers

Neil Back will have four weeks to contemplate his suspension for punching. Picture / Reuters

British and Irish Lions flanker Neil Back has been suspended from all rugby for four weeks after being found guilty of striking another player.

The English Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed today (NZ time) that a RFU disciplinary panel in London found the Leicester loose forward struck a Wasps player during the Zurich Premiership final at Twickenham on May 14.

Today's ruling sees the veteran England player suspended until June 14, meaning he will miss the Lions' opening three tour games against Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and New Zealand Maori.

It also rules him out of Monday's pre-tour match between the Lions and Argentina at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

His first chance to play will be the Lions' match against Wellington on June 15.

It is not known whether Back will appeal the decision.

- NZPA