Lewis Moody will be available for England ' s Six Nations campaign after receiving a nine-week ban for his role in Saturday's mass brawl at Twickenham.

Moody, the first Englishman to be sent off at Twickenham, was suspended by a Six Nations disciplinary committee in London last night.

The 27-year-old Leicester flanker was sent off in the 77th minute after landing several punches during the fight which marred England's record 40-3 triumph over Samoa.

Alesana Tuilagi made a dangerous tackle on Mark Cueto, the England winger, who was takenout in mid-air and landed head first on to the pitch.

Cueto launched a verbal volley at Tuilagi and when the Samoan responded with a punch Moody, having intervened as peace-maker, waded in and the melee escalated. Tuilagi was shown a red card for the tackle and Moody was sent off moments later.

Tuilagi, Moody's clubmate, received a six-week ban for striking an opponent and for his dangerous challenge on Cueto while Samoan fly-half Tanner Vili received a two-week ban, also for a dangerous tackle on the Sale winger.

Moody served a sixweek suspension for punching Leeds No 8 Jordan Crane in a second-team match in September.

The maximum suspension for striking an opponent is one year. Moody's initial role as peacemaker is sure to have worked in his favour. England's opening Six Nations match is against Wales on February 4.

All three players admitted to the offences and can appeal.