Leinster duo and Pucciariello face citing

THREE provincial players have been cited for foul play in their respective Magners League games over the weekend.

Leinster flanker Shane Jennings and hooker John Fogarty face separate hearings in Dublin today to answer complaints from the independent citing commissioner at Friday’s match against Connacht at the RDS that they punched opponents in violation of law 10.4 (a).

Munster prop Federico Pucciariello has been cited for kicking during the Munster v Ulster game at Thomond Park on Saturday under laws 10.4 (c) and 10.4 (k).

The former Italian international also faces a hearing of the IRFU Disciplinary panel in Dublin today.

Respective coaches Michael Cheika and Tony McGahan will watch the outcome of the hearings with considerable interest given the importance of the three to their teams and the number of big matches looming.

Tipperary man Fogarty looks a good bet to get a starting role as Leinster’s hooker over the coming weeks after some recent fine displays coupled with the injury to the usual first choice hooker, Bernard Jackman.

Jennings has made the open side flank position with Leinster his own and is a strong contender for the number 7 jersey on the Irish team as well.

While Pucciariello is not a first choice with Munster, he is invaluable to the cause as he can fill each of the three front-row positions with equal facility.

Meanwhile Sale flanker Luke Abraham will return from Guinness Premiership suspension to face Munster in their crucial Heineken Cup showdown on January 16.

Abraham was last night banned for two weeks for striking Bath centre Alex Crockett with his head, but the suspension is backdated.

Abraham pleaded guilty after being cited for the offence during the match at the Recreation Ground on December 20 and is suspended from December 24, 2008 — when the citing was issued — until January 7.

Northampton’s Irish international number eight Roger Wilson was suspended for five weeks for a dangerous tackle on Harlequins flanker Will Skinner. The former Ulster player will not be able to play again until February 10.