The Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll has been suspended from rugby for three weeks after being found guilty of stamping on Italy's Simone Favaro during his side's Six Nations championship defeat at the weekend.
O'Driscoll, who was playing his 125th international for his country, was cited for the incident which completed a woeful day for the Irish who were beasten 22-15 in Rome.
The 34-year-old was sin-binned for only the second time in his long career during the match but could have faced a suspension of nine weeks.
At the hearing O'Driscoll admitted an act of foul play but argued that it did not warrant a red card.
However, the citing was upheld, meaning O'Driscoll will be unable to play for his club side Leinster until April 8th.
