D-Day arrives for talisman O’Connell

MUNSTER will be hoping an early Christmas present arrives when Paul O’Connell’s appeal against a four-week ban is heard today.

European Cup Rugby (ERC) last night confirmed O’Connell’s appeal will be heard today by conference call. The independent appeal committee will be chaired by Professor Lorne Crerar (Scotland) and will also comprise Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Simon Thomas (Wales).

O’Connell was handed a four-week ban following a red card for foul play against the Ospreys’ Jonathan Thomas in Munster’s Heineken Cup clash with the Welsh outfit on December 16.