Northampton Saints have decided not to appeal Chris Ashton's four-match ban following a charge of unsportsmanlike conduct.

The winger was punished by the Rugby Football Union for allegedly dragging Leicester Tigers' Alesana Tuilagi off the field by his hair during the side's defeat at Welford Road last weekend.

A Northampton statement read: "Following considerable deliberation, the Northampton Saints team management has decided not to appeal against the sanction imposed upon Chris Ashton earlier this week," a statement read.

"Although the management still believes the sanction was harsh, and imposed because of what happened afterwards rather than the action offence itself - something Judge Jeff Blackett noted in his own comments on Tuesday evening - the management also believes that it is best that a line is now drawn under the incident.

"Chris himself is determined to use this as a learning experience and to work hard over the next four weeks to become a better player for Northampton Saints and hopefully earn selection in England's Six Nations squad in the New Year."

The England international will be absent for both of Northampton's Heineken Cup matches against Castres, their Premiership meeting with Bath and the game against Newcastle on New Year's Day.