The28-year-old was cited following the defending champions' 12-9 Heineken Cup defeat to London Irish on Friday night in Dublin. Kennedy reacted furiously to the incident during the game and accused Jennings of poking a finger in his eye, although he later claimed to have over-reacted.

At a European Rugby Cup Ltd disciplinary hearing in Dublin today, Jennings was found guilty "of an contrary to good sportsmanship in that he made contact with the eye or eye area of Nick Kennedy".

The judicial officer Roger Morris from Wales decided the offence was at the low end of the scale and, having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors, he banned Jennings until January 6, 2010. Both parties have the right to appeal.

McAlister rolled his ankle at North Harbour training on Monday and although an X-ray showed there was no break, there were fears that there was enough damage to the tendons to force him out of the end of year All Blacks' tour beginning next month.

A North Harbour Rugby Union spokesman said today the MRI scan showed no structural damage. "A short rehab will see him available for selection for the first All Blacks game in Tokyo in two weeks," he said.

McAlister has endured a few tough months since returning in May from a two-year stint with English club Sale. He struggled to find form after being rushed back into the All Blacks and was then hampered by back spasms before fracturing a cheekbone six weeks ago in the Tri-Nations match against Australia in Sydney.

McAlister had only returned to playing last weekend, scoring a try in North Harbour's 28-7 Air NZ Cup win over Bay of Plenty. All Blacks coach Graham Henry names his touring party on Sunday.