WARRIORS skipper Pat Sanderson has been cited for eye gouging during the Guinness Premiership game with London Wasps at Sixways and, if found guilty, could face a lengthy ban.

Flanker Sanderson and his Wasps opposite number, James Haskell, had a running battle throughout the 24-24 draw and they have both been cited for illegally making contact with the eyes of an opponent.

The charge has been raised by independent citing officer Alan Mansell and the players have subsequently been charged with foul play.

However, Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock insists his captain is protesting his innocence. The Sixways boss said: "I can't make too much comment until I have seen the footage of exactly what Pat has been cited for.

"We have got some video coming down to us which will highlight any moments of the game which might be included in any citing, so I've got to see that first.

"I've had a quick chat with Pat and as far as he's concerned there is no case to answer. We respect the process and will look at it, but our intitial thoughts are that the player is very surprised to have been cited."

Sanderson and Haskell have been summoned to appear at an RFU disciplinary hearing at the offices of the Judge Advocate General in London on Tuesday, October 2. The case will be heard by a panel consisting of the RFU disciplinary officer His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett (chairman), Jeremy Summers and Michael White.

Meanwhile, life at the rugby World Cup keeps getting better and better for Worcester prop Chris Horsman.

The Welsh international has retained his place in the starting XV to face Fiji at the Stade La Beaujoire in Nantes on Saturday (4pm).

Having been omitted from Wales' first two games of the tournament - a win against Canada and a defeat to Australia - the 30-year-old was recalled for his side's 72-18 triumph over Japan.

Coach Gareth Jenkins has opted to continue with the Worcester man as the cornerstone of his scrum this weekend. If Wales can see off Fiji, they will advance to a quarter-final meeting with South Africa in Marseille on Sunday, October 7 (2pm kick-off).

WALES: G Thomas (Cardiff Blues, capt); M Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), J Hook (Ospreys), S Williams (Ospreys); S Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), D Peel (Llanelli Scarlets); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), M Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), C Horsman (Worcester), AW Jones (Ospreys), I Evans (Ospreys), C Charvis (Newport Gwent Dragons), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), A Popham (Llanelli Scarlets).

Replacements: TR Thomas (Cardiff Blues), D Jones (Ospreys), I Gough (Ospreys), M Owen (Newport Gwent Dragons), M Phillips (Ospreys), J Robinson (Cardiff Blues), D James (Llanelli Scarlets).