WORCESTER Warriors’ powerhouse lock Tevita Cavubati has tonight been banned for nine weeks after biting an opponent in Sunday's 20-13 Aviva Premiership defeat to London Irish.

The 28-year-old Fijian international will miss eight vital matches as Warriors battle to avoid relegation from the top tier.

Cavubati will not be available for Warriors’ crunch relegation battles against Newcastle Falcons and Irish on March 4 and 26 respectively.

And Cavubati cannot resume playing until Warriors host Wasps at Sixways on April 16 (3pm).

He pleaded guilty when he appeared before an Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing in Bristol charged with biting, contrary to Law 10.4(m).

The news is a huge setback for Warriors, who are 10th in the table and just one point better off than relegation rivals Newcastle and Irish.

Cavubati said: "I would like to apologise to all my team-mates, the coaches and supporters for the incident which occurred at the weekend. 

"I was feeling suffocated while being held down. I was struggling to breathe and reacted in a way that I would never normally do. 

"I sincerely apologise to Jebb Sinclair for this behaviour. It was uncharacteristic and this is not the type of player I am."

Warriors chief executive Jim O'Toole said: "This is a very unfortunate incident that does not reflect our approach to the game in any way and is not a behaviour that we condone. 

"Tevita has paid a heavy price for his misdemeanour and has learnt his lesson."

Cavubati has played 12 times since arriving at Warriors in the autumn after making his debut at Sale Sharks.

He has played the full 80 minutes in Warriors’ last five Premiership matches, making 12 tackles and 11 carries against Irish.

Cavubati has been a key player for Warriors, particularly since Darren Barry has suffered a nerve problem in his arm.

Barry has not featured since coming off injured in Warriors’ match against Bath at the Recreation Ground on December 27.

It could mean a surprise return to Warriors’ starting line-up on Saturday for 31-year-old Dan Sanderson against an out-of-sorts Bath at Sixways (3pm).

Sanderson has played seven times this term, but only once in the Premiership, managing 14 minutes in Worcester’s 24-20 home defeat against Harlequins at the beginning of January.

In addition to his ban, Cavubati has been ordered to pay £500 towards the costs of the disciplinary hearing. He is free to play again on April 12.