Report: England 40-3 Samoa

But he should therefore be available for all of the 2006 Six Nations.

Moody became the first England player to be sent off at Twickenham after fighting with Alesana Tuilagi, who received a six-week suspension.

Samoan fly-half Tanner Vili was also handed a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle on the Sale winger Mark Cueto.

All three players learnt their fate at a Six Nations disciplinary committee hearing convened in London on Monday evening.

Cueto - I shouldn't have reacted

Saturday's brawl was sparked by Tuilagi's tackle on Cueto, for which he also got a red card, while team-mate Vili was cited for appearing to smash his forearm across Cueto's throat 10 minutes earlier.

Cueto had ran over to confront Tuilagi over his tackle, but after being punched, was joined by Moody who unleashed a barrage of his own.

And the Leicester man, who has already served a six-week ban this season for punching in a second-team Tigers match against Leeds, was facing the possibility of a longer absence, given the maximum punishment for striking a player is now 12 months.

But the RFU decision means coach Andy Robinson should have Moody at his disposal for his 2006 campaign.

Robinson had said after the incident: "Rugby is a physical game and sometimes it erupts but we are not condoning it and it's disappointing.

"Lewis is really upset with what happened and I feel for him a little bit because he's worked so hard."

ENGLAND TEST DISMISSALS Lewis Moody v Samoa (2005) Simon Shaw v NZ (2004) Danny Grewcock v NZ (1998) Mike Burton v Aus (1975)

Moody became only the fourth England player to receive a red card in a Test, and the first since Simon Shaw in the summer of 2004.

Tim Rodber was also sent off for fighting during a provincial match on England's tour of South Africa in 1994.

Samoa's physical approach saw a succession of high tackles with Vili also sin-binned for his challenge.

"Samoa pride themselves on defence and they defended magnificently well in the first half," added Robinson.

It is hard as players to see one of your mates up-ended on his back England captain Martin Corry

"But a couple of high shots were dangerous, and that does need to be cleaned out of the game."

England captain Martin Corry said he empathised with Moody's actions during the punch-up.

"We are developing really good team spirit and it is hard to see one of your mates up-ended on his back," Corry said.