London Irish hooker Motu Matu'u suspended for five weeks

London Irish hooker Motu Matu'u has been handed a five-week ban following his red-card incident during the recently concluded Gallagher Premiership game against Worcester Warriors.

The 32-year-old was sent-off in the 34th minute during the game at Sixways following a head high tackle on Worcester Warriors fly-half Duncan Weir and the incident proved costly for the Exiles as they suffered a 20-6 defeat.

Matu'u appeared before a RFU independent judicial officer Jeremy Summers and was proved guilty of the charges. Since, the Samoan international was already suspended for three weeks in September for a dangerous tackle, Matu'u was handed a mitigation of just one week.

As a result, Matu'u will miss the Premiership games against Exeter Chiefs, Northampton Saints and Harlequins along with European Challenge Cup matches against Bayonne and Scarlets.

"This was a reckless tackle which, as the player accepted, he had got technically wrong," RFU independent judicial officer Jeremy Summers said.

"While both arms were attempting to wrap, he nevertheless led with his head up and in to contact with an opponent making contact with his head which carried an inherent risk of causing a potentially serious injury.

"The player accepted the charge and apologised to Duncan Weir post-match."