Nathan Hughes will learn whether he can play any part in England’s November internationals when he faces a second disciplinary hearing on Oct. 17.
The Wasps No. 8 was cited for punching during his side’s 35-21 defeat to Gloucester before appearing to land himself in further trouble when he tweeted “what a joke” as the disciplinary panel gave their verdict on the incident.
Hughes, 27, could face at least a six-week ban if found guilty, which would rule him out of England’s matches against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia this autumn.
There was confusion on Wednesday night in Coventry when Hughes’s case was adjourned without a result being made public.
The RFU announced the panel chosen for the case would meet again within a week “to deal with an issue that arose during the evening”.
Hughes’ hastily-deleted tweet has since emerged and suggests the disciplinary panel is reconvening to decide whether his actions deserves further sanction.
He could face additional punishment on the grounds of poor conduct or see any mitigation from any ban relating to the punching incident removed.
The Fijian-born forward will miss Wasps’ Champions Cup clash with Leinster on Friday night as he is unable to play until a verdict is reached.
He was initially cited for punching Lewis Ludlow in the head while being pinned to the floor by the Gloucester flanker, who has been banned for four weeks for his involvement in a separate incident.
Hughes’ transgression leaves England head coach Eddie Jones with yet another headache as he looks ahead to the crunch November internationals.
Jones could be left with just Billy Vunipola at No. 8 because Exeter’s Sam Simmonds has already been ruled out.
Earlier Wasps announced second row Joe Launchbury had undergone knee surgery and will miss the series, while Marlon Yarde is also on the injured list after dislocating his kneecap.
Jones will announce his squad on Oct. 18, a day after Hughes’s hearing.