Munster and Ireland prop John Hayes has had his ban for stamping in the Magners League clash between Leinster and Munster reduced by a week.
The suspension for stamping on the head of Cian Healy during Munster's 30-0 defeat on 3 October was originally due to run until 14 November but will now end on 7 November.
An IRFU statement said the suspension was reduced because the Committee had allowed one week's mitigation based upon Hayes' disciplinary record.
However, as neither Munster nor Ireland have any fixtures from 7 to 14 November, Hayes will not be able to play any extra matches for either side as a result of the reduction. The period in question does not feature any All-Ireland League matches either.
The tighthead prop has already missed Munster's defeat to Northampton in Round One of the Heineken Cup pool stage and will miss their clash with Treviso in Round Two this Saturday.
Munster are also due to play Edinburgh on Friday 23 October and Ulster on Saturday 31 October in the Magners League. They have no match between then and Saturday 5 December, when they are to face the Neath-Swansea Ospreys.
Hayes will also be available for Ireland's November International series, which is due to begin on 15 November with a Test match against Australia.
