Cheika fully behind Jennings

Leinster coach Michael Cheika has hit back with a strong backing of Shane Jennings, despite the decision, on appeal, of the Independent Judicial Committee to uphold a 12-week ban for making contact with the eye/eye area of London Irish lock Nick Kennedy.

Cheika fully behind Jennings

Leinster coach Michael Cheika has hit back with a strong backing of Shane Jennings, despite the decision, on appeal, of the Independent Judicial Committee to uphold a 12-week ban for making contact with the eye/eye area of London Irish lock Nick Kennedy.

"Leinster Rugby are mystified by the decision and the whole process because we still maintain that Shane wasn't guilty of anything. To be cited in the first instance, it requires the incident to warrant a red card, but it didn't even merit a penalty, never mind a red card," stated Cheika.

"Unfortunately, the Disciplinary Officer wanted to pursue the matter even though there was verbal and written testimony from the London Irish player stating that he "over-reacted". We are at a loss to understand why this decision has been made.

"We're more concerned at this stage with the player as both his career and his reputation have now been tarnished. We will be standing by Shane during this difficult time and know that he will emerge stronger from this disappointing judgement".

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