Ben Flower banned for six months

Wigan forward Ben Flower has been banned from playing rugby league for six months, following his punching of Lance Hohaia in Saturday’s Grand Final against St Helens.

He will be unable to play until April 14, 2015, a period of time which represents the most severe penalty that RFL’s match-review panel could hand out.

Lance Hohaia has already accepted a one-match ban for his part in the incident.

St Helens have stressed that they do not want any police involvement, after it was suggested earlier this week that Greater Manchester Police were scrutinising the matter.