A PLAYER from English first division club Gloucester began a nine month prison sentence yesterday for punching an opponent.

Simon Devereux (27) was appearing for Gloucester's second team against Rosslyn Park last February when he punched opposing skipper Jamie Cowie, breaking his jaw in three places. Cowie spent five nights in hospital and was out of the game for eight months.

Devereux, who is 16 stone and 6ft tall, denied inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent but was convicted by a jury at Kingston Crown Court.

Jailing him Judge John Baker said: "Warnings have been given to all sportsmen, particularly in rugby football, that unlawful punching cannot be tolerated."

The court had heard that Devereux lashed out at Cowie after the referee blew his whistle for a penalty after a ruck. Cowie's face "caved in" from the punch and the crack of his jaw breaking could be heard around the ground.

Devereux claimed in evidence that he lashed out to prevent Cowie punching first.

The length of the sentence was condemned yesterday by the former Gloucester, England and Lion Mike Burton, who was the club's commercial manager until last season. "Look at the disparity of treatment compared with Eric Cantona, who got community service for kicking a spectator," he said.

Several rugby players have been jailed for on pitch incidents. Perhaps the most high profile player to end up behind bars was David Bishop, who received a one month sentence for common assault in 1986 after punching an opponent.