Ireland's Peter O'Mahony suspended for three weeks

Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony has been handed a three-week ban following his red-card incident in the recently concluded Six Nations game against Wales.

The 31-year-old was sent-off in the 13th minute of the game at Principality Stadium for a reckless tackle on Wales prop Tomas Francis and his absence proved decisive as Wayne Pivac's men registered a 21-16 win.

O'Mahony faced an independent disciplinary hearing on Tuesday and was initially handed a six-week ban that was reduced by half taking into account his guilty plea, conduct during hearing and other mitigating factors. He will be free to resume playing from 15th March.

“The player admitted the act of dangerous play in a ruck and that the offending merited a red card. The player did not seek to challenge the referee’s decision," read a Six Nations statement.

“In assessing the seriousness of the offending, the committee found that the offending was reckless.

“As the conduct involved contact with the head, although noting that no injury was suffered by the Wales number three (Francis), the committee determined that the entry point was mid-range, which for this offence is six weeks.

“The disciplinary committee concluded after careful consideration of the player’s record and conduct in the hearing that the player was entitled to a 50 per cent reduction of sanction in mitigation.

“The player is suspended from February 7 to March 14, which represents three meaningful matches to the player".

Ireland are positioned fourth in the Six Nations table following their defeat in the opening game and will lock horns with France in the second round on 14th February.