Flannery learns date of appeal

Editor

Ireland and Munster hooker Jerry Flannery has learned the date for his appeal over the eight-week ban handed down to him last week.

Ireland and Munster hooker Jerry Flannery has learned the date for his appeal over the eight-week ban handed down to him last week.

Flannery was suspended for stamping on Julien Bonnaire during the recent Heineken Cup match against Clermont.

If the ban stands after the appeal, Flannery will be out of the entire Six Nations.

An independent appeal committee will be convened in Dublin on Wednesday, 6 February, to hear the appeal lodged by Flannery against the decision.

The committee will be chaired by Professor Lorne Crerar (Scotland) and also comprise HHJ Jeff Blackett (England) and Russell Howell (Wales).

The same committee will also hear the case of Alexandre Audebert, the Clermont flank who was found guilty of stamping on Ronan O'Gara in the same game. Audebert was also given an eight week ban.

Flannery and Audebert run the risk of having their original sentances extended.