Rugby's crackdown on gouging has begun. The Leinster flanker Shane Jennings was today banned for 12 weeks for making contact with the eye of the London Irish lock Nick Kennedy in Dublin last week, even though the disciplinary panel decided the act was not intentional.

The South Africa flanker Schalk Burger and the Italy No8 Sergio Parisse were given eight-week bans for similar offences last summer. The minimum ban recommended by the International Rugby Board for making contact with an opponent's eye is 12 weeks, rising to a maximum of 156.

Kennedy reacted furiously to the incident, but said after the game: "I got a bit carried away at the time and said things I should not have, but everyone's friends now." Leinster, the Heineken Cup holders, expressed shock at the length of the suspension, which followed a citing. Jennings, who will be out of action until 6 January, will appeal.

The province issued a statement: "Leinster Rugby are surprised and extremely disappointed with the ruling even though there was clear evidence from the opposition player that the act was not intentional. The disciplinary committee appears to have found that Shane Jennings was careless with his actions, which is a shock to us. Shane has an impeccable record and a strong leadership role within the squad as our vice-captain and we will be appealing this decision."

The IRB will closely monitor the appeal. It is concerned by the increase in gouging incidents and wants deterrent sentences to be handed out.

The Bath flanker Andy Beattie was banned for three weeks after being sent off for stamping against Ulster last Friday. The Wales and Lions full-back Lee Byrne will miss the autumn Tests after suffering a recurrence of ankle ligament damage and another Osprey, the lock Ian Evans, faces eight weeks off after suffering an arm injury in a club match.