Melbourne Rebels second-row Adam Byrnes has been handed a ten-week suspension after being found guilty of eye-gouging against the Waratahs.

SANZAR judicial officer Paul Tully imposed the ban after a lengthy hearing on Sunday, the Australian Associated Press reported.

Byrnes was cited for making contact with the eye of Waratahs centre Tom Carter in Friday's match at AAMI Stadium following a complaint from 'Tahs captain and fly-half Daniel Halangahu.

Tully said there was enough evidence to support Carter's allegation that contact had been made with Carter's right eye and bridge of his nose.

Byrnes, who played for Russia at 2011's World Cup, is unavailable for the Rebels until May 20.

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