Donnacha Ryan suspended for three weeks

Munster and Ireland second row Donnacha Ryan has been suspended for three weeks after an independent Six Nations disciplinary committee upheld a citing for a stamping incident which occurred in Ireland’s victory over Samoa on Saturday.

Ryan will miss Ireland’s remaining November tests against New Zealand and Argentina as a result, although he does have the right to appeal his punishment. Ryan’s excellent disciplinary record and good conduct was taken into account when determining the length of the suspension.

Ryan had his case heard via a video conference at Heathrow and Dublin, following which a statement was released which read:

“Having considered all of the evidence, the disciplinary committee, which also comprised Achille Reali (Italy) and Simon Thomas (Wales), found that the player was guilty of foul play and imposed a suspension of three weeks from November 15, 2010 until midnight on Sunday, December 5 2010.

“The committee, having listened to submissions from Mr. Ryan, his legal representative and Paul McNaughton, the Ireland team manager and viewed the video evidence, found that the incident merited a mid-range entry point in the IRB list of sanctions which they then reduced on account of the player's exemplary disciplinary record and good conduct at the hearing.”