Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill has slammed Northampton Saints player Calum Clark for the Anglo Welsh LV= Cup final incident which led to a broken elbow for Rob Hawkins.

Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby Cockerill says he believes Clark's actions in the final at Worcester on Sunday were "as bad as I have seen on a rugby field".

The incident which happened in the 21st minute left Hawkins screaming in pain and team doctors say that he will miss the rest of the season.

Hawkins was on the ground at the side of a ruck after Clark appeared to grab his arm and pull it back after the whistle had blown.

The RFU disciplinary panel have until Thursday afternoon to take action against the Northampton back-rower if they want to take it further.

"Rob has fractured his elbow and he will be out for eight to 12 weeks," Cockerill the Leicester Mercury.

"We hope it will be looked at by the Rugby Union's disciplinary authority.

"It's a pretty horrendous injury and if Calum Clark is deemed to have done that on purpose by the powers-that-be and found guilty, it's a pretty poor act.

"In my opinion, it is as bad as I have seen on a rugby field. The whole squad are very disappointed. It's a tough game.

"I don't want to comment too much at this point because it is not my place but this has marred a great day for the club." Tigers won the final by a 26-14 scoreline.

Cockerill added that he was bitterly disappointed for out-of-contract Hawkins, who has enjoyed a good run in the Leicester side of late.

"He will miss the rest of the season and I am really disappointed for him," said Cockerill.

"He has had a good run and was really keen to impress because he is trying to earn a new contract. Now that opportunity has been taken away from him."