Miller's ban covers two matches

Lions, Ireland and Leinster flanker Eric Miller has received a 30-day ban following his sending off for kicking out at the prone Munster number eight Anthony Foley in Leinster's Celtic League final victory over Munster at Lansdowne Road last weekend.

The suspension means that Miller will miss the province's final two matches in the pool stages of the European Cup.

The player will be ineligible for the matches against Newcastle on January 5th and again the following weekend when Leinster travel to Toulouse.

His suspension will come to an end at midnight on Saturday, January 19th, thus making the Leinster man available for selection for the European Cup quarter-finals which take place on the weekend of January 25th to 27th.

Leinster have already qualified for the quarter-finals of the tournament at this juncture but could do with winning one if not both of their remaining fixtures to guarantee a home draw in the knock-out stages. Miller has been in superb form this season for both province and Ireland and he will be missed.

The player admitted his guilt immediately after the match and apologised to Foley for the incident that saw him dismissed by referee Nigel Whitehouse.

In accordance with rules of the Celtic League the IRFU Disciplinary Committee dealt with the matter. Miller attended the meeting which took place last night and the player was informed of the outcome.

It was confirmed that Miller's ban only applies to matches and that means that he can train with Leinster in the interim.

It should also guarantee his participation in Ireland squad training sessions that take place in Limerick on January 14th and 15th.