England international Jonny Hill slapped with long-term ban after abusing fan during Sale's clash with Bath in June

Sale, England and British & Irish Lions lock Jonny Hill has been banned for 10 weeks after he abused a spectator in the aftermath of his club's game with Bath.

Hill clashed with a member of the home crowd at The Recreation Ground on June 1 and accepted the charge which, in the words of the RFU, amounted to 'conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.' The RFU initially recommended a mammoth ban of 20 weeks.

KC Philip Evans headed up the English rugby disciplinary panel.

He said: 'The panel concluded the appropriate starting point was a 20-week suspension from playing.

'They also found the circumstances of this case to be exceptional and as a consequence, and because of the substantial mitigation available to Jonny Hill, that starting point was reduced to 10 weeks, four of which will be suspended until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

'In addition, he is required to give a presentation to young players at the club which is to be recorded and provided to the RFU.

'He will be available to play for Sale on December 7.'

Hill's clash with the Bath supporter came at the end of last season and the incident has meant he is yet to play in the 2024/25 campaign to date.

Hill will be back for the start of Sale's European Champions Cup campaign which begins against Glasgow on the day his ban ends.

Commenting on the judgement, Sale said: 'Both the club and player accept the ruling made by the RFU disciplinary panel and we now look forward to getting Jonny back on the pitch in a Sale shirt as soon as possible.'