Armitage dropped by Saxons

Delon Armitage has been suspended from the England Saxons elite player squad after being arrested for alleged assault, the Rugby Football Union have said.

London Irish back Armitage was detained by Devon and Cornwall Police following an incident in a nightclub early on January 29, according to an RFU statement.

He was later released on bail.

In a statement, the RFU said: "The London Irish full-back was released from the England Saxons camp following the international match against the Ireland Wolfhounds on January 28.

"He was later arrested in Torquay on suspicion of assault following an altercation in a nightclub, interviewed and then released on police bail while inquiries continue."

England's interim coach Stuart Lancaster added: "We take issues surrounding the behaviour of England players very seriously, and as such have decided to suspend Delon from the Saxons EPS pending the result of the police inquiry.

"We will then consider if further action is appropriate under the EPS code of conduct."

A statement from Devon and Cornwall police read: "In the early hours of Sunday the 29th January 2012 a 28-year-old man from the Middlesex area was arrested in Torquay on suspicion of assault following an altercation in a local nightclub.

"The man was taken to Torquay police station and interviewed regarding the incident. He was later released on police bail until 21 March 2012 while investigations continue.

"A local man received a split lip during the incident but did not require medical treatment."