BATH scrum-half Martyn Wood was last night banned for six weeks for kicking an opponent during Saturday's 13-12 victory at Leicester.

Wood, who received a red card from referee Roy Maybank during the first hald at Welford Road, was found guilty and suspended.

He can play again on January 14.

Meanwhile, Bath could travel to their European Challenge Cup first round, first leg clash in Italy this weekend with just seven backs.

Injuries and ineligibility have hit the side hard prior to the clash against L'Aquila.

Mike Catt suffered a slight hamstring strain in the victory over Leicester at the weekend and will miss the game, while Andrew Higgins, Brendon Daniel, Lee Best, Spencer Davey, Robbie Fleck and Chris Malone are all injured.

Centre Robbie Kydd, utility back Jamie Williams and wing Wylie Human are ineligible and scrum-half Hentie Martens may not travel due to visa problems. World Cup star Mike Tindall will be given the weekend off.

Ross Blake is likely to start at scrum-half, with Iain Balshaw and Simon Danielli on the wings, Kevin Maggs and Alex Crockett in the centres, Olly Barkley at fly-half and Matt Perry at full back.

"We will still be heading out there with four full internationals in the backs," said head coach John Connolly.

"The pack will be led by Danny Grewcock, so it is still an extremely strong squad.''