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Rugby Union

Vickery suspended by Wasps

14/12/2007

Phil Vickery has been suspended by Wasps for tomorrow's Heineken Cup clash with Clermont Auvergne for disciplinary reasons.

The Wasps players and coaches decided the England captain should be axed from the squad for allegedly trampling on Clermont lock Thibaut Privat last Saturday.

Prop Vickery faces a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday and if found guilty will be banned for three weeks.

It would rule Vickery out of the London side's Christmas programme including games against Bristol and Bath.

Vickery, who has only played twice for Wasps since returning from the World Cup, would return to skipper England in February's Six Nations Championship.

He was banned for two games during the pool stages of the World Cup in France for tripping USA centre Paul Emerick.

Wasps also chose not to select Rob Hoadley for Saturday's match against Clermont after the centre was sent off for throwing a punch during an A-eam game against London Irish.

Wasps face Clermont at Adams Park trailing leaders Munster by a point in pool five.

The club's director of rugby, Ian McGeechan, warned his side they need to be at their best to match second-placed Clermont.

"This is the second of two very tough games, and we are going to need a top class performance to get a result against Clermont," McGeechan said.

"They are a very strong outfit and with the way our pool stands, this is a crucial game for us."