Sale Sharks' Lee Thomas has had his 14-week suspension reduced to ten weeks despite an unsuccessful appeal to the Rugby Football Union.

Thomas, who had been suspended until October 17 next season for punching Bath's Shaun Berne during the Guinness Premiership game on March 28, will now be able to play from September 5.

Australian Berne lost three teeth as a result of the clash and required emergency dental treatment.

An RFU Panel, meeting in London this evening, dismissed an appeal by the Premiership star against his suspension of 14 weeks for a breach of regulation 5.12 - conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union or the Game - imposed last month.

The panel, however, reduced the period of suspension from 14 weeks to 10 weeks. His suspension now runs from April 22 to June 17, 2008 and from August 22 to September 4, 2008.

Thomas was originally cited following an offence of striking during the match against Bath at Edgeley Park on March 28, 2008.

The Panel comprised Jim Sturman (Chairman), John Doubleday and Julian Morris.