O'Connell ban appeal to be heard tomorrow

Munster's appeal against Paul O'Connell's four-week ban will be heard tomorrow by a three-strong appeal committee.

Lock O’Connell was handed the suspension by a European Rugby Cup disciplinary hearing after he was sent off for striking Ospreys back-rower Jonathan Thomas during Munster’s 22-16 Heineken Cup victory at Thomond Park on December 12.

The ban means O'Connell will be available for Munster's crucial European trip to Toulon next month, but with the 31-year-old having missed most of the season to date with a groin injury Munster hope to have him available to play before that fixture.