Northampton Saints' Salesi Ma'afu banned for Challenge Cup final

Northampton Saints prop Salesi Ma'afu will miss the Challenge Cup final after being handed a one-week ban for punching Leicester Tigers hooker Tom Youngs.

The Australian international was sent off in the thrilling Aviva Premiership semi-final between the two sides on Friday, which Northampton won 21-20.

Ma'afu, who has also been fined £500, will be eligible for the Premiership final against Saracens on May 31, but is out of Friday's showdown with Bath in Cardiff.

The 31-year-old signed for Saints last February and has since scored one try in 22 matches.

Leicester's Owen Williams is also facing charges, for making contact with the eye area of Saints centre Luther Burrell in the same match, but his Tuesday hearing was adjourned to leave his fate uncertain.