Andrew Hore: Hit with five-week ban for striking Wales' Bradley Davies

Welsh lock Davies needed hospital treatment for severe concussion after being knocked unconscious by Hore in the opening minutes.

Hore appeared in front of an IRB hearing in Bristol on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

An IRB statement read: "The Judicial Officer held that the act of foul play was inherently dangerous, being a deliberate swinging of the arm, delivered with significant force, causing serious injury to the victim player, Bradley Davies, who was unsighted.

"However, the Judicial Officer found that the player had not intended to make contact with the victim player's head.

"In categorising the seriousness of the offence the Judicial Officer held that it was worthy of a top end entry point under the IRB's sanctions table, and that the entry point should be eight weeks.

"The Judicial Officer held that there were no aggravating factors, and acknowledged the mitigating factors of acceptance of guilt by the player, his genuine remorse, as evidenced by his daily contact with the injured player, his exemplary disciplinary record, and his conduct throughout the hearing and imposed a suspension of five weeks."

Hore will miss the All Blacks' final autumn Test against England on Saturday and be unavailable for Super 15 side the Highlanders for any pre-season matches.

The 34-year-old is suspended until February 24 and has the right of appeal.