Hala'ufia's team were knocked out of the competition by the 11-11 draw

London Irish's Chris Hala'ufia has been banned for four weeks for striking Leo Cullen during his side's Heineken Cup match with Leinster on Saturday.

The Tonga international admitted to punching Leinster captain Cullen during the pool six 11-11 draw at Twickenham.

An independent disciplinary panel, led by Frenchman Jean-Noel Couraud in Dublin, found number eight Hala'ufia's offence to be of mid-range seriousness.

The 31-year-old is suspended from playing until 25 February.

The draw ended the Exiles' hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup, while defending champions Leinster advanced into the last eight.

Hala'ufia has the right to lodge an appeal against the ban.

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