Stade Francais's French international halfback Julien Dupuy received a season-ending, 24-week ban from rugby for eye-gouging and will now miss the Six Nations.
Dupuy was cited for gouging the eyes of Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris during the Irish province's 23-13 European Cup win over the Paris-based club in Belfast last weekend.
Although Dupuy and the club subsequently apologised for his actions, officials decided to hand down a severe punishment for what is regarded as one of the worst offences a player can commit.
