Rugby:Leinster's Jonathan Sexton has lost his appeal after he was cited for kicking Munster's Lefeimi Mafi in last weekend's Magners League encounter at Thomond Park.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) Disciplinary Appeals Committee hearing ruled that Sexton was guilty under law 10.4 (c) and upheld the two week ban, which means the Leinster player will be unavailable for selection until April 23rd.

The panel of Billy Glynn (Chairman), Leo Galvin and Barry O’Brien heard the appeal in Dublin today and after considering all the evidence ruled that there was “reckless use of the boot by Jonathan Sexton”.

The two-week ban means Sexton will miss Sunday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Harlequins at The Stoop.