Munster Rugby confirm three match suspension for tighthead prop

Munster Rugby have confirmed their tighthead prop John Ryan has received a three match suspension following an act of foul play during the provinces URC game against Cardiff Blues. 

This three game ban will see Ryan miss Munster's vital Investec Champions Cup clash against Northampton Saints this Sunday as well as URC games in South Africa against Vodacom Bulls and Emirates Lions. 

The Citing Commissioner in charge reported the Munster player for an act of foul play in the 59th minute which resulted in a Yellow Card under Law 9.18 – a player must not lift an opponent off the ground and drop or drive that player so that their head and/or upper body make contact with the ground.

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The panel overseeing the disciplinary process Robert Milligan (Chair, SRU), Rod McKenzie (SRU) and Stefan Terblanche (SARU), found that the incident met the Red Card threshold, with entry of low-range warranting a six-game suspension.

John Ryan accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but that it had not warranted a Red Card. However, the Panel reduced the suspension to three games due to his good record, apology and exemplary conduct in the hearing which results in a three-game suspension.