The following from the NZRU: Irish loose forward Jamie Heaslip has today been suspended for five weeks for foul play during the All Blacks v Ireland Steinlager Series opening Test match at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth last night.

Heaslip was sent off in the 15th minute of the match for allegedly using his knee to strike All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.  The All Blacks won the match 66 – 28.

Heaslip appeared before IRB Judicial Officer Michael Cashman (Australia) in New Plymouth today.  The player admitted breaching Law 10.4 (a) for twice striking his opponent with his knee.  He denied striking the other player’s head.

The Judicial Officer determined that the first strike was to the other player’s head.  

After considering evidence and submissions from Heaslip and his legal representative, Mr Cashman assessed the offending to be in the mid-range of seriousness and, after taking relevant mitigating factors into account, he imposed a suspension of five weeks.

Heaslip is suspended from all rugby, up to and including Saturday, 17 July 2010.