Quinlan likely to appeal 12-week ban in Lions tour bid

MUNSTER flanker Alan Quinlan was found guilty of making contact with the eye area of Leinster skipper Leo Cullen during a Heineken Cup semi-final at Croke Park on May 1.

However, the 12-week ban imposed by a European Rugby Cup disciplinary committee is likely to be appealed in the hope that he can still make the tour of South Africa with the Lions.

Quinlan’s suspension means he is sidelined until September 10 – more than two months after the Lions tour ends. Rugby’s summer-off season is not included in the period he cannot play.