The International Rugby Board (IRB) is to appeal the length of the one-week ban handed to All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson, believing a longer punishment is warranted for his stamping incident against Scotland.

In a statement the IRB has criticised the sanction as “unduly lenient” and said an appeal hearing would review the incident.

Thomson’s boot made contact with the head of Scottish flanker Alasdair Strokosch early in the second half of New Zealand’s 51-22 win at Edinburgh on November 11.

A judicial officer upheld a citing complaint and Thomson’s punishment was handed down at a hearing process in London run under the auspices of the Six Nations Committee.

IRB chief executive Brett Gosper responded to criticism of the ban by tweeting that his organisation would consider an appeal.

“As custodians of rugby worldwide, the IRB has a duty to protect its image, values and integrity together with the welfare of players at all levels in order that the sport can continue its unprecedented growth and welcome more men, women and children to the rugby family,” the IRB statement said.

“This IRB Disciplinary regulation is intended to protect all players and the game through the strict application of a sanctioning regime that acts as a strong deterrent against acts of foul play.

“The IRB strongly believes that the sanction of one week is unduly lenient for this particular act of foul play and not aligned with the sanctions handed down in similar cases.”

The statement said the right of appeal for the IRB and for host unions and tournament organisers was introduced in June this year to “uphold the integrity of the disciplinary process in appropriate cases”.

Details of the appeal hearing have yet to be announced but it is unlikely to be held in time to rule Thomson out of this weekend’s Test against Wales.