Nathan Hughes availability for autumn internationals uncertain after citing for punching

Nathan Hughes faces a wait to see if his hopes of appearing in 's autumn schedule are over after he was cited for punching Lewis Ludlow.
The incident involving Lewis Ludlow occurred during 21-35 defeat to Gloucester at the Ricoh Arena, and a disciplinary panel will decide whether the number 8 punched Ludlow in the head.
If found guilty of the citing charge, Hughes could face a six-week ban which would rule him out of England's first three internationals against , and Japan, as well as making him available for Wasps for their fixtures against holders .
Video footage released by the RFU shows Hughes being pinned down by Ludlow and retaliating by throwing a punch to the left side of the Gloucester flanker's head.
A ban for Hughes would hamper ' back row plans further, after number 8 Sam Simmonds tore his anterior cruciate ligament and works towards regaining full fitness.
The England vice-captain admitted he was a little ‘rusty' in Saracens win over at the weekend, but he did play for the full 80 minutes as Sarries ran out 25-20 victors.
Meanwhile, Ludlow has also been cited for a stamping on Elliot Daly in a separate incident.
Hughes and Ludlow will attend their hearings on Wednesday a 6.30pm.

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