The disciplinary committee deemed McGrath’s actions deliberate and initially handed down a five-week ban – but reduced the punishment due to his “unblemished playing record”.

“The disciplinary committee’s view was that the player’s actions had been deliberate and that the player’s actions were at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions for foul play,” read part of the Pro12 statement.

“In light of compelling mitigating factors, including the player’s unblemished playing record, together with his conduct at the hearing, the disciplinary committee determined that the player should be suspended for a period of three weeks.”

McGrath will be free to return to action on Sunday, January 25, missing Leinster’s two final pool stage matches in the European Champions Cup.

The 25-year-old will be available for Ireland’s preparations in the build-up to their Six Nations opener in Italy on February 7 however.

McGrath’s continued Six Nations availability will ease any pressure on Cian Healy as the Leinster prop battles towards full fitness after a lengthy injury absence.

British and Irish Lions prop Healy tore his hamstring in September but could yet be fit to feature in Leinster’s European matches at the end of the month.

Welsh disciplinary officers Roger Morris and Rhian Williams and England’s John Doubleday formed the committee that oversaw McGrath’s hearing on Wednesday.