Spencer banned for Round 1

Former New Zealand international Carlos Spencer will miss Northampton Saints' Heineken Cup opener with Biarritz Olympique - after being handed a one week ban by a RFU disciplinary panel.

The fly-half was cited for a dangerous tackle on Gareth Cooper during his side's EDF Energy Cup match against Newport Gwent Dragons on October 7.

Spencer was yellow-carded for the tackle on the Welsh international, before limping off after 40 minutes of the match, which the Saints lost 26-7.

Cooper was not injured, but Spencer's action threatened to spark a brawl between players before referee Nigel Owens intervened.

Spencer pleaded not guilty, but the RFU panel, chaired by Christopher Quinlan, upheld the charge in a hearing in Bristol.

The suspension comes as a blow for Northampton, who are already without injured captain Bruce Reihana, centre Jon Clarke and England hooker Steve Thompson for their trip to Biarritz.