Launceston flanker Josh Lord banned for 10 weeks

Lord has scored 28 tries in 172 games in his Launceston career

Launceston flanker Josh Lord has been banned for 10 weeks after being found guilty of making contact with the eyes of an opponent.

Lord has pleaded not guilty to the charge which stemmed from a clash with Hertford's Bret McNamee in a National Two South game in November.

Lord was also ordered to pay costs of £200 by the Rugby Football Union panel and will be banned until 6 March.

"We feel that he never did it," coach Tony Rocques told BBC South West.

"The video evidence was studied frame-by-frame and there was no evidence of an eye gouge.

"To me it was a weak case at best.

"Of course we disagree with it but the RFU are the governing body and we have to respect their decision."

Lord has started every one of Launceston's 18 games in National Two South this season and has been a key figure at Polson Bridge since first playing for the club in 2005.

"He's going to be a huge miss for us, he's a key player and in good form," added Rocques.

"He's a leader out there but it's an opportunity for other lads to step up and try and fill his shoes."