Six Nations 2013: Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll hit with three-week ban

Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll has been suspended for three weeks for stamping during the Six Nations match against Italy in Rome on Saturday.

The centre was cited for a stamp on Simone Favaro during the first half of Ireland's 22-15 defeat.

O'Driscoll appeared to lift his right leg and bring it down on the chest of the Italian flanker.

The 34-year-old will miss Leinster's two Pro12 games and the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final against Wasps.

O'Driscoll was handed the ban at a disciplinary hearing in London on Wednesday.

Leinster are aiming to clinch a top-four place in the Pro12 competition, which would secure a semi-final play-off spot.

The former Ireland captain's act seemed to be borne out of frustration as Favaro was lying on the wrong side of the ruck at a time when Ireland were beginning to implode.

O'Driscoll was cited for "an alleged stamping or trampling on an opponent".

The incident, which left Favaro writhing in pain, clouded what was almost certainly O'Driscoll's final game for Ireland.