Mafi hit with seven-week ban

MUNSTER centre Lifeimi Mafi was last night hit with a seven-week suspension as a result of his tackle on Gordon D’Arcy in last Saturday’s game at the Aviva Stadium.

The Tongan had been cited for both an alleged dangerous tackle and for allegedly punching or striking in the same incident and was ultimately deemed guilty of the former. No confirmation on whether or not an appeal would be made was forthcoming from Munster last night. As it stands, Mafi will miss six games including the upcoming Heineken Cup fixtures against London Irish and Toulon, Australia’s visit to Thomond Park as well as Magners League ties against Benetton Treviso, Ulster and the Scarlets.

“Having studied the match footage and heard all available evidence, the disciplinary panel found Mafi guilty under law 10.4 (e) for a dangerous tackle and decided that it was at the top end of entry for such an offence,” said the IRFU statement last night.