Armitage had played the previous day for the England Saxons, the international side's second XV, in their 23- 17 win against the Irish Wolfhounds at the Exeter Chiefs' Sandy Park ground.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a 28-year-old man from Middlesex was arrested after a local man suffered a "split lip". He was later released on bail.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster, announcing that Armitage had been suspended from the England Saxons Elite Player Squad, said: "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.

"High standards of behaviour are required from England players on and off the field, and they also need to understand that they should not put themselves in a potentially vulnerable position or environment."

The arrest of Armitage, who has scored seven tries in 26 caps for the full England team, comes weeks after Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care was told he would not be considered for England Six Nations selection this season following his arrest for drink-driving on New Year's Day.

Care subsequently appeared before Southampton magistrates, where he admitted a drink-driving charge. He was fined £3,000 (€3,590) and banned from driving for 16 months.

London Irish have announced they will hold an internal investigation into the player's alleged conduct.

In a statement the club said: "We fully understand the RFU stance on this matter and will convene our own internal investigation to procure a full understanding of the matter in question, the outcome of which will determine any further action.

"Player conduct is a direct representation of the club and, therefore, inappropriate conduct will be strongly acted upon."