LONDON IRISH: Pierre Durant of London Irish has been banned from playing for six weeks after testing positive for marijuana.
The 28-year-old prop tested positive for the banned substance at the Premiership game against Leeds at Headingley on January 28th. The suspension, by a English Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel, runs until April 13th - ruling him out of action until the home match against Bath on April 17th.
A statement by the RFU read: "We condemn the use or distribution of prohibited substances or methods as defined or listed by the International Rugby Board and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
"We undertake approximately 340 tests per annum within a robust drug testing system operated and co-ordinated by UK Sport and complemented by an education programme."
WILKINSON RETURN: Newcastle's Jonny Wilkinson could make his Twickenham return this weekend against Harlequins in the English Premiership. Just 24 hours after England, who have lost nine of their 14 Tests without him since his drop-goal won the World Cup, tackle Six Nations Championship opponents Italy, Newcastle take on Quins at the nearby Stoop Memorial Ground.
WEEKEND FIXTURES: FRIDAY - A International: Ireland v France, Donnybrook (7pm). Under 21 International: Ireland v France, Thomond Park (7.30pm). Irish College Interprovincial Cup final: Leinster v Munster, Railway Union (3.pm). SATURDAY - Six Nations Championship: Ireland v France, Lansdowne Road (1.30pm); England v Italy, Twickenham (4pm). SUNDAY - Six Nations Championship: Scotland v Wales, Murrayfield (3pm). Women's International: Ireland v France, Templeville Road (2.30). Irish Schools trial: Stradbrook (10.45am)
