Martin Johnson was today given the green light to play for England in Saturday's potential Six Nations title decider against France in Paris even though he received a three-week ban on Thursday for punching an opponent.
The England captain received his ban for punching Saracens hooker Robbie Russell in a Premiership game on February 9 but his club Leicester appealed against the jurisdiction of the hearing.
The appeal will not be heard this week and under RFU rules Johnson is free to continue playing until the appeal is heard leaving him poised to win his 66th international cap.
Filed by Johnny Proby
