Two-week ban for Healy

Editor

Leinster loosehead prop Cian Healy has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Paris on Thursday.

Healy was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, John Byett (England), for allegedly striking Toulon hooker Guilhem Guirado with his knee in contravention of Law 10.4 (a), in the 26th minute of the Champions Cup Round 3 match at Stade Félix Mayol on Sunday, 13 December.

The independent Judicial Officer, Roger Morris (Wales), heard submissions and evidence from Healy, who pleaded not guilty to an offence of striking, from the Leinster Head of Rugby Operations, Guy Easterby, from Leinster’s legal representative, Donal Spring, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

After hearing the submissions and evidence, the Judicial Officer decided that the charge of striking could not be proven. However, he determined that Healy had committed an act of foul play and amended the charge to Dangerous charging or obstructing or grabbing of an opponent without the ball, including shouldering – Law 10.4 (f) and Law 10.4 (k).

Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Laws 10.4 (f) and (k), carry the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-Range: 5 weeks; Top End: 10 to 52 weeks.

The Judicial Officer found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point.

Although there were no aggravating factors, the Judicial Officer decided that no reduction was available due to the fact that the player does not have a clean disciplinary record, before imposing a suspension of two weeks.

Healy is free to play on 28 December 2015. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.