Cian Healy
Leinster prop Cian Healy has been banned for 2 weeks for dangerous play during last weekend’s European Champions Cup game against Toulon.
The 28-year-old Ireland international was charged with striking Toulon hooker Guilhem Guirado with his knee during the 24-9 defeat in France.
The striking charge was found to be not proven but the incident was deemed to be foul play.
Healy misses the return fixture against Toulon and a Pro12 match with Munster.
Although there were no aggravating factors, judicial officer Roger Morris said the ban could not be reduced because Healy does not have a clean disciplinary record.
The Ireland forward could have received a minimum three-week ban had be been found guilty of deliberately striking Guirado.
The match citing commissioner, John Byett, made a complaint to European Professional Club Rugby following the incident, for which Healy was sin-binned.
Leinster, who have lost all three of their Pool Five matches so far, host holders Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
They then face Munster in a Pro12 derby on 27 December.
Leinster to appeal the decision:
Leinster Rugby have informed EPCR of their intention to appeal the decision of the independent Judicial Officer Roger Morris to suspend Leinster prop Cian Healy for two weeks under Law 10.4 (f).
The basis for the appeal will centre on the fact that Cian Healy was called to the independent Disciplinary Hearing in Paris for allegedly striking RC Toulon hooker Guilhem Guirado in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).
Having heard submissions from both sides and the player himself who denied the charge, the Judicial Officer retired to consider the matter. On returning he informed those present that the charge under Law 10.4 (a) was not proven.
However he went on to find that Cian Healy had contravened Law 10.4 (f) which charge had not been put to the player by either the Judicial Officer or EPCR at any stage before or during the Disciplinary Hearing.
Leinster believe that this is a failure to follow due process and is unfair to Cian Healy
Leinster Rugby have further requested that the chairman of the Disciplinary Panel lift Cian Healy’s suspension pending the outcome of the appeal, which Leinster are confident will be successful.
bbc & leinsterrugby