Alex Lozowski has been ruled out of England’s autumn opener against South Africa after the end date of his ban for dangerous play at a ruck was recalculated.
Lozowski was suspended for two weeks as sanction for the offence that took place in Saracens’ Champions Cup victory over Glasgow on October 13.
It was initially decided that the 25-year-old centre would miss games against Lyon and the Premiership Cup match against Leicester on Saturday before becoming available on October 29.
However, following his selection in Eddie Jones’ squad for the Quilter internationals and pre-series training camp in Portugal, European Professional Club Rugby’s independent disciplinary review adjusted which matches would be included in the suspension.
“Had the player not received a sanction, he would not in the normal course of events have been expected to play in the match against Leicester,” an EPCR statement read.
“It was concluded that in the context of Lozowski’s suspension, Saracens’ match against Leicester should not be regarded as one the player would have been expected to play in on account of his England selection.”
Lozowski will therefore miss the Springboks’ visit to Twickenham on November 3 and only become available against New Zealand a week later.