Taione hit with 18-week ban for biting

Sale Sharks and Tonga flank Epi Taione has been banned for 18 weeks after being found guilty of biting Munster's Denis Leamy on the arm.

Taione was cited after the Heineken Cup match at Thomond Park on January 21, which Munster won 31-9, and appeared before a disciplinary committee on Monday.

An ERC press release on Monday confirmed that Taione would be banned form rugby for the remainder of the Premiership season

"The citing was lodged by the ERC appointed Citing Commissioner for the match, Iain Goodall (Scotland), and was against Taione for alleged contravention of Law: 10-4 (k), in that he allegedly bit Munster player Denis Leamy on the right arm," read the press release.

"Following an admission of guilt by Epi Taione, the Independent Disciplinary Committee then heard submissions on behalf of ERC and on behalf of Taione as to what sanction should be imposed with reference to IRB regulations.

"In terms of the seriousness of the offence, the Committee determined that the appropriate entry-point for sanctions was six months.

"The committee then determined that there were no aggravating factors and that there were various compelling mitigating factors.

"It therefore determined that the appropriate sanction was a period of 18 weeks, ending on Sunday, 11 June inclusive. The Player will be available to play again on Monday, 12 June 2006."

Taione will therefore be available, if selected, to play for Tonga in the June Test window, but will miss the remainder of the domestic season.