PAT Sanderson will miss no part of Worcester's Premiership campaign after being handed a two-match ban.

At an RFU disciplinary hearing last night, the Sixways skipper pleaded guilty to striking Wasps' Peter Richards in a Premiership clash last month and is now banned from England Sevens duty this week and Worcester's Powergen Cup tie with London Irish on December 18.

The incident occurred during the Warriors' 27-24 victory over the European champions on November 26 and Sanderson, who is at present in South Africa with the national sevens squad, was represented by Worcester coaches John Brain and Andy Keast last night at the Coventry hearing.

"The official announcement from the RFU was that the ban was three weeks but they count one day of sevens as one week," said Brain, Worcester's director of rugby.

"Pat is on sevens duty but he won't be able to play in two days of sevens rugby that are planned this week in South Africa. That will count as two weeks and, of course, he also cannot play for Worcester in our Powergen Cup tie with London Irish.

"The tariff for this offence is three to 12 weeks so the entrance point is three weeks. We'll abide by due process. The committee has done its job and its disappointing for Pat and England sevens.

"It's disappointing for us but that's the way it goes. However, he doesn't miss a league match for us and that's a positive to come out of this."

The panel took into account the mitigating circumstances, the fact that Sanderson had apologised to his sevens team-mate Richards.

"Pat pleaded guilty to the offence," added Brain. "He's apologised for his actions both to the committee and Peter Richards."

The incident was dealt with on the night by referee Steve Leyshon, but the Premiership citing officer identified the offence for further punishment.

Sanderson's absence is likely to be good news for flanker Neil Mason who has been recalled from his loan spell at Coventry.

The 22-year-old has struggled to break into the Premiership first team because of competition for places but with Sanderson now banned until December 20 and Leon Greeff out for the season with a dislocated knee, Mason could have a mini run in the side.

"I can confirm that Neil Mason's loan has been suspended for the moment," added Brain.