Neath call for action on Stringer

Neath tonight launched a blistering attack on their Celtic League final conquerors Munster and called for Ireland scrum-half Peter Stringer to face disciplinary action.

The Welsh All Blacks have retaliated furiously following a six-match ban imposed on their international flanker Brett Sinkinson.

Wales flanker Sinkinson was cited for stamping on Munster fly-half Ronan O’Gara during last Saturday’s Millennium Stadium final, which the Irish side won 37-17.

He was dealt with by Welsh Rugby Union disciplinary chiefs earlier this week.

Munster star Stringer received a yellow card from English referee Chris White following a second-half stamping incident.

But Neath feel he should not be allowed to take part in the RBS 6 Nations Championship or April’s Heineken Cup quarter-final between Munster and Leicester.

Neath now intend supplying video evidence to back up their argument. Both Munster and the Irish Rugby Union will receive a copy.

“We are extremely disappointed that Munster decided to take this course of action, and particularly with the manner in which they cited our player at the last minute,” said Neath chief executive Mike Cuddy.

“There were far worse instances than Brett Sinkinson’s performed during the match by Munster players.

“We will be compiling a video which will be sent to Munster and the Irish Rugby Union, together with a request that they do the decent thing and give the players highlighted, at the very least, suspensions equivalent to that imposed on Brett.

“In particular, we feel that Peter Stringer should not be allowed to take part in the 6 Nations and European Cup quarter-final.

“We did not want to get into a citing battle with Munster, but the manner in which Munster cited at the last minute was disappointing, to say the least,” Cuddy added.

“Relations between Munster and Neath have been soured, and will be even more strained if they do nothing in respect of their players’ actions.

“They must not be seen to condone this behaviour.

“We did not want to pursue these matters further, as we acknowledge that Munster were the better side on the day and it could have looked like sour grapes on our behalf.

“All in all, this matter has left a bitter taste in the mouth.”

Given Munster’s sizeable Irish squad representation, an anxious few days beckon while Neath finalise details of their protest.

Ireland kick off their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday week.