Harlequins' Mat Luamanu banned for five weeks for dangerous tackle

Harlequins forward Mat Luamanu has been handed a five-week suspension by the Rugby Football Union for dangerous tackling.

Luamanu received a yellow card in the first half of his side's win over Exeter in the Anglo-Welsh Cup on Saturday for a tackle on opposition fly-half Will Hooley.

The 27-year-old New Zealander was subsequently cited for the challenge, and a statement from the RFU on Tuesday said: "The charge against Mathew Luamanu of Harlequins RFC for dangerous tackling, contrary to Law 10.4(e), was heard in London this evening.

"Luamanu pleaded not guilty, but was given a five-week suspension. He is free to play again on December 13."

Chairman of the RFU discipline panel Sir James Dingemans said: "The panel upheld the citing, concluding that Mathew Luamanu had committed a dangerous tackle because he had made contact with his (Hooley's) head, having been reckless within the meaning of RFU Regulation 19.11.8(b) and Appendix 5."

Luamanu was banned for three weeks by the RFU for a tackle on Sale forward Josh Beaumont in September.