LONDON Irish hooker Motu Matu’u has been banned for five weeks for his “reckless” tackle on Worcester Warriors fly-half Duncan Weir.

The Samoa international was sent off by referee Ian Tempest in the 33rd minute of Irish’s 20-6 defeat to Warriors at Sixways on Saturday.

Matu’u then attended a disciplinary today where he received the suspension by sole judicial official Jeremy Summers.

Summers said the 32-year-old got the tackle “technically wrong” as he “led with his head up” and felt there was “risk of causing a potentially serious injury”.

Weir is now likely to undergo dental treatment after injuring his jaw and is expected to miss Warriors’ trip to Saracens on Saturday (3pm).

Matu’u accepted the charge of dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13 and is free to play again on February 18.

Summers said: “This was a reckless tackle which, as the player accepted, he had got technically wrong.

“While both arms were attempting to wrap, he nevertheless led with his head up and in to contact with an opponent making contact with his head which carried an inherent risk of causing a potentially serious injury.

“There were no aggravating features to warrant an increase from the mid-range starting point.

“The player accepted the charge and apologised to Duncan post-match.

“However, he has one previous matter on record also for a dangerous tackle from Rugby World Cup 2019. “As such, the player was only entitled to a 25 per cent decrease from the entry point by way mitigation, not least having regard to the proximity of the two offences.

“This results in his receiving a one week reduction from the entry point of six weeks.

“He will serve a suspension of five meaningful weeks until February 17 which takes in to account two weekends when London Irish and the player have no matches.”