Flannery to miss Six Nations due to 'stamping ban'

Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery is set to miss the entire Six Nations Championship after being banned for stamping.

The Munster forward landed an eight-week ban when he appeared before a three-man disciplinary committee in Dublin today.

Flannery was cited by match commissioner Achille Reali for stamping on Clermont Auvergne’s France international back-row star Julien Bonnaire during Munster’s Heineken Cup defeat on January 13.

The 29-year-old was accompanied at the hearing by his legal representative Donal Spring and Munster rugby director Declan Kidney.

Both Flannery, who has won 21 caps, and Kidney refused to comment, but Spring confirmed an appeal would be considered.

Spring said: “We are very disappointed with the outcome and are considering an appeal.”

Flannery cannot play again until after Ireland’s final Six Nations game against England at Twickenham on March 15.