Ulster's Tom O'Toole cops six-match ban for Munster foul play

The prop is also ruled out of Ireland's opening two Six Nations games next month

SIX MATCH SUSPENSION: Tom O'Toole of Ulster after being shown a red card during the United Rugby Championship against Munster at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ulster's Tom O'Toole has been given a six match ban for the red card he received against Munster in their round eight URC tie last month.

O'Toole was dismissed for an act of foul play on Munster's Alex Nankivell in the 31st minute under Law 9.20e: "Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. A player must not drop their weight onto an opponent or target the lower limbs." Nankivell was unable to continue to play and further assessment confirmed a hamstring tendon injury.

A red card for Ulster's Tom O'Toole 🟥

And a potentially game-changing moment 👀 pic.twitter.com/txCQIIqPpI

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 20, 2024

 

The ban will rule the Ireland front row out of Ulster's Champions Cup clashes against Leicester and Exeter, URC game against Zebre and Ireland's Six Nations fixtures against England and Scotland.

"Confirmation was received from Ireland's interim Head Coach Simon Easterby that the player has been a constant member of the Ireland Senior squad since debut in 2021. Barring injury or suspension he would be included in the 2025 Six Nations squad with a very good chance of being a named in the match day squad. In these circumstances it is appropriate that Ireland's first two matches are included," the ruling noted.

In response to the Judicial Officer, Sheriff Kathrine Mackie, Scotland, overseeing the disciplinary process, O'Toole accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a red card.  Mackie found that the incident med the threshold for a red card with an entry point of top end warranting 10 weeks. 

O'Toole received four weeks (40%) mitigation for his admission of foul play, an immediate apology and against post match. 

Due to a red card O'Toole received in 2022  not all mitigating factors were applied resulting in a six match suspension. Already banned for the pre new year URC derby against Connacht, O'Toole will miss January 11, 2025: Leicester v Ulster, Champions Cup; Jan 17: Ulster v Exeter Chiefs, Champions Cup; Jan 26, Ulster v Zebre Parma, URC; Feb 1 Ireland v England, Six Nations; Feb 8, Scotland v Ireland, Six Nations