Munster lose another prop as dangerous clear-out results in ban despite yellow card
Another blow to Munster ahead of the clash with Northampton Saints.
Munster will be without four frontline props for their Champions Cup last-16 fixture against Northampton Saints on Saturday following John Ryan’s suspension.
Ryan has been banned for three games following his yellow card in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash with Cardiff.
Referee Andrea Piardi issued the Ireland international a yellow card for his dangerous clear-out on Cardiff hooker Liam Belcher in the 59th minute of the URC clash.
John Ryan banned
However, the Citing Commissioner deemed that his actions met the red card threshold and reported the Munster front-rower for the act of foul play.
He was cited 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.
Huge blow for Munster as tighthead prop John Ryan is suspended for 3 matches for this clearout against Cardiff.
Was yellow at the time, but disciplinary panel felt should have been red.
Oli Jager already ruled out of the Saints game, Roman Salanoa also still injured. pic.twitter.com/RxesKvg9Sq
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) April 4, 2024
“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,” a URC statement read.
“The Player 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 (50% mitigation) due to his good record, apology and exemplary conduct in the hearing which results in a three-game suspension.”
His ban is another blow to Munster’s prop stocks, with Oli Jager (knee), Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder) and Roman Salanoa (knee) all missing the clash against Northampton Saints due to injury.
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Saints have been the form team in the Premiership this season and head into the crunch Investec Champions Cup knockout match off the back of defeating Saracens 41-30 at Franklin’s Gardens to cement top spot in the league.
Northampton have already beaten Munster this season, claiming a thrilling 26-23 victory during the pool stages.
With Ryan now ruled out of the fixture, veteran tighthead Stephen Archer is likely to start in the number three jumper, as he did against Cardiff.
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Fixtures John Ryan will miss:
Northampton Saints v Munster, 7 April 2024, Investec Champions Cup
**Investec Champions Cup quarter-final, 12/13/14 April
Bulls v Munster, 20 April 2024, BKT URC
Lions v Munster, 27 April 2024, BKT URC
**Should Munster not qualify for the Investec Champions Cup quarter-final, the fixture against Lions will stand as the third game suspension.