Leinster’s European campaign is without hope, and there is now an added sting in the tail for Leo Cullen’s men.
Cian Healy was sin-binned in the first half of Sunday’s 24-9 loss to Toulon for a knee to the head of Guilhem Guirado but some of the French media believe the Ireland loosehead got off lightly.
https://twitter.com/gavinmortimer7/status/676310032741441537
Leinster managed to keep Toulon scoreless during Healy’s spell on the sidelines, but the citing followed on Monday afternoon.
Cian Healy sent to the bin for Leinster. Harsh or fair? #ERCC
Follow: https://t.co/9bRG9ohWyy
https://t.co/qMJMfsLVnz— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) December 13, 2015
Even if they are only playing for pride, Leinster can hardly do without their international prop for Saturday evening’s visit of the three-in-a-row champions to the Aviva Stadium (5.15pm).
This afternoon, the bad news arrived. An EPCR statement reads:
‘After hearing the submissions and evidence, the Judicial Officer decided that the charge of striking could not be proven.
‘However, he determined that Healy had committed an act of foul play and amended the charge to ‘Dangerous charging or obstructing or grabbing of an opponent without the ball, including shouldering’.’
Ulster are also up against French opposition, heading to Toulouse after their historic white-washing of the three-time winners in Belfast. They play at 1pm on Sunday, while Munster travel to Welford Road later in the day (5.15pm), looking to gain revenge after Leicester’s win at Thomond on Saturday.
