O'Connell faces citing charge

Ireland second-rower Paul O’Connell has been cited for allegedly punching Wales lock Robert Sidoli during the RBS 6 Nations match in Cardiff on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Italy prop Salvatore Perugini has also been cited for a dangerous tackle on France winger Christophe Dominici in Rome.

A Six Nations committee statement read: “In accordance with IRB regulation 17 a hearing will be held on Wednesday, 23 March, with the three-man discipline committee chaired by Lorne Crerar (Scotland).”

Irish Coach Eddie O’Sullivan said: “We have been notified of the citing and the hearing. I have spoken with Paul and I accept the interpretation that it was more of a frustrating and harmless scrap with no intent to hurt or injure on his part. Knowing Paul and his reputation, I accept that explanation for something that we all know would be out of character."

Paul O’Connell said: “While the incident may have looked a little ugly, there was no malice or wilful intent involved on my part. Robert Sidoli and the referee accepted this in good spirits and once we shook hands, we both got on with it.”

Perugini has found himself in hot water before, with the Calvisano forward banned for 20 weeks after headbutting Ireland’s David Stringer in the 2002 Six Nations.