LONDON - Northampton flanker Neil Best was banned until January after pleading guilty Wednesday to a charge of eye-gouging.

The 29-year-old Ireland player received the 18-week ban after admitting to illegally making contact with the eye or eye area of Wasps back row James Haskell with his hand during a Sept. 20 match.

"Placing fingers in and around opponents' eyes constitutes one of the most serious offences in the game because of the risk of permanent career-ending damage," the Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel said. "Contact was clearly painful and caused significant injury, continuing distress and some mental anguish to Haskell, who initially feared first for his sight and subsequently that he may not be able to play again."

Haskell said his vision became increasingly blurred and he had excruciating pain after the incident.