Ulster to appeal Iain Henderson red

Ulster’s decision to appeal Iain Henderson’s sending off at Ravenhill on Saturday would be understandable to Munster head coach Anthony Foley who described the punishment issued by referee Nigel Owens as “an unfortunate circumstance”.

With Munster possibly set to face Ulster in the Guinness Pro12 play-offs, maybe in the May 30 final already scheduled for Belfast, Foley might be glad to see the back of Henderson. The versatile back-five forward had been so impressive against Foley’s side and in front of watching Ireland boss Joe Schmidt until his 73rd minute dismissal for leading with his head or forearm when clearing out Ronan O’Mahony at a ruck.

After the 23-23 encounter, Ulster head coach Neil Doak said his province would be appealing the red card, describing the decision from what he had seen via the stadium big screen as “unbelievably harsh” on Henderson.