Wasps hooker Raphael Ibanez has received a four-week ban after being found guilty of stamping on an opponent during a Heineken Cup game.

The former France captain, who retired from Test rugby earlier this month, is suspended until February 22nd.

It means he will be unavailable for Wasps' next three Guinness Premiership games against Gloucester, Sale Sharks and Bath.

And it is a major blow for the London club, who desperately need to start collecting points in their quest for a Premiership title play-off spot.

The ban also comes just five days after Wasps' hopes of retaining their European title were dashed by defeat against Munster in Limerick.

Ibanez appeared before a three-man disciplinary committee in Dublin today after being cited by match commissioner Peter Brown for stamping on Llanelli Scarlets skipper and Ireland international Simon Easterby.

The incident happened during Wasps' victory over the Scarlets at Adams Park on January 13th.

Ibanez has the right to appeal.