Ulster's Harry Sheridan has been banned for three matches following his red card in the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 2 game against Edinburgh last Friday.
Sheridan was sent off in the 45th minute of the match for a dangerous tackle.
In a disciplinary hearing, Sheridan accepted he had committed an act of foul play which warranted the dismissal.
The judicial officer opted for a mid-range entry on the punishment scale, which was six weeks.
He received a 50% mitigation due to his "exemplary record, immediate remorse and acceptance of the red card".
That results in a three-game suspension.
If he completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme then the sanction will be reduced by one week.
As it stands he will miss this week's URC clash with Connacht followed by the Zebre game at the end of the month.
The final match is the EPCR Challenge Cup game with Ospreys on 4 April.
The province will have their quartet of Ireland internationals back for Friday's meeting with Connacht, but their lengthy injury list has grown after the impressive win at Edinburgh.
Richie Muphy's team came from behind with 33 unanswered points to claim a 40-19 victory in Scotland.
They'll look to follow that up with a good showing at Affidea Stadium this week, however Murphy is down a number of bodies including Sheridan.
David Shanahan, James Hume and Cormac Izuchukwu all sustained concussions in the game and are following the graduated return to play protocols.
Jude Postlethwaite suffered a hand fracture and is set to have surgery. He'll be sidelined for a number of weeks, as will Jake Flannery who sustained a shoulder injury.
Charlie Irvine has a soft tissue injury to his lower leg and will be monitored over the next few days.
In more positive news, Tom O'Toole, Tom Stewart, Nathan Doak and Jacob Stockdale have all returned from Ireland camp and are available for selection.
