Cheika slapped with hefty fine

FORMER Leinster coach Michael Cheika has been fined €20,000, half of it suspended until June 2013, for his conduct on the night of the Amlin Challenge final when his Stade Francais side was defeated by Harlequins.

The Australian pleaded guilty to two complaints at an independent Disciplinary Committee hearing in Dublin yesterday, one referring to comments made to officials at half-time and a second centred on remarks made to an ERC employee after the final whistle.

“In reaching its decision, the independent Disciplinary Committee had at the forefront of its mind one of the core values of, that of respect, which match officials and others involved in the game are entitled to be shown at all times,” said committee chairman Simon Thomas.