The French federation have suspended Bayonne's Mike Tewhata after his punch on Brian O'Driscoll in a World Cup warm-up match ruled out the Ireland captain for his team's opener against Namibia next month.

"We have decided this morning to ban Mike Tewhata until we have the results of the investigation that I have launched and the referee's report," French federation president Bernard Lapasset said.

"The investigation is not only on the Tewhata incident but on the whole game."

O'Driscoll sustained a fractured sinus and a deep laceration under his right eye after a brawl in Ireland's 42-6 win on Thursday.

Earlier Bayonne announced Tewhata would not play in the next two games of the Baionan Rugby Tour.

The tour features matches between Bayonne, Sale, Ireland, Leicester, Auch, Pau, Stade Francais and Metro Racing.

Ireland play Pool D opponents Namibia on Sept. 9.

Reuters / Eurosport