The three-match suspension Johnny Sexton received prevents him from participating in Ireland's Rugby World Cup warm-up games, but he is eligible to play in the team's first encounter against Romania on September 9.

Sexton was deemed to have been “confrontational and aggressive” with referee Jaco Peyer and his fellow officials following Leinster's Champions Cup loss to La Rochelle in May, according to an independent disciplinary commission.

Additionally, Leinster received a suspended €8,750 punishment.

In a statement, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) announced: “Johnny Sexton admitted misconduct. The disciplinary committee found his behaviour confrontational and aggressive towards and disrespectful of the match officials. It continued:

“It included his pointing his finger at them and shouting at them something to this effect: 'It's a disgrace you guys can't get the big decisions right' accompanied by expletives 'most likely the f-word'.

“His conduct was obviously unsportsmanlike and brought the sport of rugby union into disrepute.

“Having regard to the full circumstances of the misconduct and the mitigation which is set out in detail in the written reasons, the disciplinary committee concluded that the appropriate and proportionate sanction was an immediate suspension of three matches.”

On August 27, the day after Ireland's last test match against Samoa in Bayonne, Sexton is available to play once more.

The rulings may be appealed by Sexton and Leinster, but this must be done by Wednesday at 4 p.m.