Ireland prop Tom O’Toole has been hit with a ban for the first two Six Nations games for ‘dangerous play’ at provincial level.
O’Toole was sent off as Ulster lost to Munster before Christmas after making contact with Alex Nankivell in a ruck.
It was ruled that he had broken law 9.20e, which says a player “must not drop their weight onto an opponent or target the lower limbs”.
Tom O’Toole. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Nakivell went off with a hamstring injury after the incident and is still sidelined.
O’Toole’s offence was deemed worthy of a 10-week ban at the disciplinary hearing for the 26-year-old.
He was given 40% mitigation for admitting foul play, apologising to Nankivell and apologising again after the game.
BKT United Rugby Championship, RDS, Dublin 11/5/2024 Leinster vs Ospreys
Leinster’s Tadhg Furlong. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
However, because he also got a red card for foul play against Toulouse in 2022, full mitigation was not applied and he misses four Ulster and two Ireland games.
The ban was backdated to include the win over Connacht on December 28.
Simon Easterby is in charge of Ireland with Andy Farrell on Lions duty until after the summer, and Easterby already has a few headaches brewing… Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
O’Toole will be a loss to the squad for the first two games of the Six Nations, with Tadhg Furlong still injured, and Finlay Bealham starting regularly but needing a reliable back-up.
O’Toole would appear to be next in the tighthead pecking order for Easterby’s side, with Thomas Clarkson and Oli Jager both also in the frame.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-01-06 15:52:41
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