Hala’ufia banned for striking Cullen

London Irish’s Chris Hala’ufia has been banned for four weeks for striking Leinster captain Leo Cullen in their Heineken Cup game last Saturday, the ERC announced today.

London Irish number eight Chris Hala’ufia has been banned for four weeks after pleading guilty to striking Leinster captain Leo Cullen.

Hala’ufia, the Tongan international, was cited following last Saturday’s 11-11 draw at Twickenham, a result which ended the Exiles’ Heineken Cup campaign.

The independent judicial officer Jean-Noel Couraud took into account Hala’ufia’s admittance of guilty before banning him until February 25.

Both parties have the right to appeal.