Copeland set to miss tour

Ireland hopeful Robin Copeland is in danger of missing the summer tour to Argentina after he was cited.

Copeland, who will join Munster next season, was sent off for stamping during Cardiff Blues’ Pro12 derby win over Scarlets at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

The 26-year-old back-row was hoping to earn a place with the Six Nations champions for their two-Test tour against the Pumas.

Copeland, from Wexford, won his first cap for Irish Wolfhounds against England Saxons after he was among seven uncapped players named by Joe Schmidt in an extended 44-man squad in January.

He trained with the Ireland squad ahead of the RBS Six Nations and though he was not involved in any part of the team’s successful campaign, his initial selection was seen as a reward for his stand-out displays with Cardiff as well as his decision to return to Ireland.

However his hopes of earning a place on the trip to South America will now hinge on the findings of an independent disciplinary panel hearing this week.

Copeland was shown a straight red card for stamping on the head of Scarlets full-back Liam Williams during Cardiff’s feisty 17-13 win at the Millennium Stadium.

He faces a lengthy suspension if found guilty. In September, Gloucester prop Nick Wood was banned for eight weeks for a similar offence.