Munster lodge appeal against O’Connell ban

MUNSTER have lodged their appeal against the four week ERC ban handed to Paul O’Connell for his Heineken Cup sending off against the Ospreys at Thomond Park.

An independent ERC disciplinary committee handed O’Connell the suspension last Thursday, with Munster immediately signalling their intention to contest the decision. In confirming this, a spokesperson added: “Munster Rugby now wait on the ERC to issue a date for the hearing.”

At least Munster won’t have to fret over any possible sanction against Lifeimi Mafi arising from an incident with Ian Gough late in last Saturday’s return fixture with the Ospreys.