Quinlan to learn disciplinary fate today

ALAN QUINLAN will today discover whether his Lions dream will be ended by suspension.

The Munster flanker will go before an independent disciplinary committee in Dublin today, as a result of the citing from his side’s Heineken Cup semi-final defeat to Leinster at Croke Park 11 days ago.

The citing, lodged by commissioner John Byett (England), is for alleged contact with the eye/eye area of Leinster captain Leo Cullen in contravention of Law 10.4 (k).

The independent disciplinary committee will be chaired by Roger Morris (Wales) and will also include Simon Thomas (Wales) and Mike Hamlin (England).

If Quinlan is found guilty he faces a minimum suspension of 12 weeks, which would almost certainly rule him out of the Lions squad for this summer’s tour to South Africa.

England’s Tom Croft has been installed as favourite to replace Quinlan – who was a surprise selection in Ian McGeechan’s 37-strong squad – should the 34-year-old be sidelined by suspension.