Tuitupou handed three-week suspension

MUNSTER have lost another first choice player through suspension for Saturday’s Heineken Cup clash with Toulon at Thomond Park.

Sam Tuitupou was yesterday handed a three-week ban when found guilty of a dangerous tackle on London Irish scrum half Paul Hodgson in the opening round of the tournament last week.

Tuitupou joins Lifeimi Mafi on the sidelines and it leaves Munster coach Tony McGahan with a selection dilemma in advance of this weekend’s tie. The former champions will await a written report from Independent Judicial Officer Simon Thomas (Wales) before deciding whether or not to appeal.

Should Munster opt against an appeal, McGahan will be left to ponder the midfield options alongside Keith Earls. The only remaining contenders would be Johne Murphy, Paul Warwick, while youngsters Danny Barnes or Scott Deasy will also be considered.

Meanwhile Clermont Auvergne forward Jamie Cudmore was given a 10-week ban that will rule him out for the next three rounds of the tournament after he was found guilty of stamping on Saracens forward Jacques Burger.

Martyn Williams, Cardiff Blues and Wales, was found guilty of using his knee to strike Edinburgh’s Chris Paterson in the face during last week’s Heineken Cup clash and was banned for three weeks, then cut to two on the basis of his previous good disciplinary record.

In a further case, Jonny Fa’amatuainu of Llanelli Scarlets was banned for three weeks for a dangerous tackle on Perpignan’s Adrien Plante.