NOTTINGHAM hooker Joe Duffey appeared before an RFU disciplinary panel in Coventry yesterday (Tuesday, December 18).

Duffey (pictured), who was cited during the Green and Whites' one-point RFU Championship loss to the Cornish Pirates on December 2, was suspended for six weeks and ordered to pay costs of £250 for striking an opponent contrary to Law 10.4(a)

The 30-year-old had already been banned for three weeks, and has since served two of those, following an internal disciplinary hearing on Thursday, December 6.

He is free to play again on January 17 and available for selection in Nottingham's final British and Irish Cup group game against Welsh Principality Premiership side Llandovery at Meadow Lane on Saturday, January 19, 2013.