Leinster may yet appeal Sexton ban

LEINSTER have yet to decide whether they will appeal Jonathan Sexton’s two-week suspension, which was confirmed yesterday following an incident in the Magners League tie against Munster last weekend.

Confirmation of the decision came last night from an IRFU disciplinary panel.

As it stands, the young out-half will miss Sunday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Harlequins at The Stoop in London where he was expected to start on the bench as cover for Felipe Contepomi.

Sexton had been cited for an alleged kick on Munster player Lifeimi Mafi in the 70th minute of the Magners League game at Thomond Park, which the home team won 22-5.

The hearing took place in Ravenhill, Belfast at 4.30pm yesterday and was heard under a disciplinary committee chaired by Hugh Logan who was assisted by Stephen Hilditch and Neil Jackson.

Having studied the footage and heard evidence, the disciplinary committee upheld the citing and ruled that the Leinster player was guilty of an act of foul play.

The committee duly imposed a two-week suspension starting from yesterday up to and including Wednesday, April 22.

That means that the St Mary’s player also stands to miss the Magners League tie against Edinburgh in Murrayfield, but he would be eligible for the following fixture at home to Glasgow Warriors in the same competition.