Northampton Saints flanker Phil Dowson cited for tackle

Dowson was Saints captain whilst Dylan Hartley was at the World Cup

Northampton Saints flanker Phil Dowson has been cited for an alleged dangerous tackle on Saracens full-back Alex Goode in last weekend's Premiership win.

Dowson has been charged with Rugby Football Union Law 10(4)(J).

He is alleged to have "lifted a player off the ground and dropped or drove that player into the ground whilst their feet were still off the ground such that his head/upper body came in to contact with the ground first."

The hearing takes place on 6 December.