Cian Healy suspended for three weeks

Leinster prop Cian Healy has been suspended for three weeks following an incident of foul play during his side's 22-17 win over Exeter Chiefs in Dublin on Saturday.

Healy, who was shown a yellow card by match referee Pascal Gauzère (France) was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Patrice Frantschi (France), for charging into a ruck in the 17th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (h).

Law 10.4 (h) Charging into a ruck or maul: Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (h) carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.

An independent disciplinary committee heard evidence and submissions by video conference from Healy, who pleaded guilty to the offence.

The committee upheld the citing complaint as it determined that Healy's act of foul play warranted a red card. It found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and two weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

The committee then added one week due to the player's recent poor disciplinary record, and despite Healy's guilty plea, it was decided that there were insufficient mitigating factors present to warrant any reduction of the sanction.

A three-week suspension was therefore imposed and Healy is free to play on Monday, 8 January 2018. Both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

Meanwhile, Timisoara Saracens player, Fonovia Tangimana, has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle on a Rugby Calvisano player in their Challenge Cup clash at the weekend.