IRB vow to get tough on eye-gouging

THE IRB will consider introducing more stringent punishments for any player found guilty of eye-gouging in a bid to eradicate the “heinous” offence from the sport.

The IRB have launched an investigation into their disciplinary procedures following a spate of high-profile cases, including Schalk Burger’s attack on British and Irish Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald last weekend.

And the IRB have vowed to address the issue as a matter of urgency in order to “send out the strongest possible message” that gouging will not be tolerated.