Leinster vice captain Shane Jennings had his appeal against a 12-week ban for eye gouging turned down on Thursday.
The Ireland flanker was banned last week for making contact with the eye of London Irish's Nick Kennedy in a Heineken Cup group match on Oct. 9. Tournament organizers say the suspension is appropriate for the offense.
Jennings "had not demonstrated that the original decision had been in error, or that it should be overturned or varied," European Rugby Cup said in a statement. "Accordingly the appeal committee dismissed the appeal and upheld the suspension imposed on the player of 12 weeks."
The 28-year-old Jennings will be free to play again on Jan. 7, when Leinster will have two of its six group matches remaining.
The defending champions are second in Pool 6 after losing 12-9 to London Irish before winning 36-13 at Brive last weekend.
Leinster already expressed its shock at ERC's decision to ban Jennings, whom it said "has an impeccable record and a strong leadership role within the squad."
