Venter loses appeal

The South African World Cup winner was originally given a 10-week ban, plus four weeks from a suspended sentence, after a run-in with Leicester fans this month.

The ban meant he would not be allowed to have any connection with Saracens at Twickenham for Saturday's showdown.

The Rugby Football Union's full judgement last week included censure of a "disdainful" Venter for eating a biscuit and throwing sweet papers as he awaited his sentence.

Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths responded by saying the judgment bordered on self-parody, saying "Why did the RFU provide biscuits if they were not to be eaten? "Perhaps it is time for English rugby to be run like a modern professional sport, and not a rural prep school."

Saracens appealed against the ban and though the RFU reduced it by four weeks they upheld the original finding that Venter's behaviour was prejudicial to the interests of the union and the game.

The disciplinary panel's chairman Jim Sturman QC said the panel was impressed by Venter's appeal for assistance with his conduct and desire to avoid clashes with the authorities.

"We considered that the appeal against conviction had no merit but have reduced the sentence to allow Dr Venter and Saracens the opportunity to put this matter behind them and start next season with a clean slate," Sturman said.