The RFUs disciplinary officer Judge Jeff Blackett accepted Cohen, while involved in a fracas near the touchline, had not realised who he was pushing.

Cohen apologised to Huckle immediately after the incident, at half-time and again after the match had finished.

Huckles report stated he did not feel Cohen had intentionally assaulted a match official, and Blackett also viewed Cohens apologies as substantial mitigating factors.

He has written to Cohen with a stern reminder of his responsibilities as a senior player in the English game.

Blackett told him: Had there been any evidence that you intended to assault the touch judge, I would have had no hesitation in commencing disciplinary proceedings against you.

However, I hereby warn you as to your future conduct and caution you that, as an experienced and highly respected player, you owe a duty to the game to show more self restraint.

This warning will be recorded and may be taken into account if you are charged with any offence of referee abuse in the future.

The maximum punishment for physically abusing a match official is a life ban, and Cohen said he was grateful to the RFU for not taking the matter any further.

He added: Saturday was a heated and emotional game for everyone involved with the club, but I would never have intentionally wanted to harm a match official or player.

I am not an undisciplined player and would not want to be thought of as one.